Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2024-75
| Common name: |
Red Phalarope |
| Scientific name: | Phalaropus fulicarius |
| Date: | 8/30/2024 |
| Time: | 5pm~ |
| Length of time observed: | 20 minutes |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | adult |
| Sex: | ? |
| Location: | Antelope Island Causeway |
| County: | Davis |
| Latilong: | 41.0850113,-112.2030409 |
| Elevation: | 4200ft~ |
| Distance to bird: | 10m |
| Optical equipment: | Nikon 10x42 Binoculars |
| Weather: | Sunny, clear and calm, 80F |
| Light Conditions: | Good |
| Description: Size of bird: | small shorebird |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | plump |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | gray and white |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | insectivore |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
Bird was initially reported on 8/28 by visiting birders Nick Komar and
party, it hung around the same general area at least until 9/1.I
observed it on 8/30. Initially spotted by Max near the 2mm on the south
side, it was up on the shore next to the road preening with a small
group of Wilson's Phalarope. We were able to get very close for some
photos, it then swam out a few meters into the shallow water and started
feeding, even spinning. Then something flushed the flock(not us) and
they flew farther out to the SW, but landed and was still visible in the
scope. As we drove out later it was still present. Classic basic plumage adult: Smooth gray back-no streaking Shortish stout bill with some pink at base of lower mandible Plump & thick necked Black eyeline, some black on nape Smaller than nearby Wilson's. No Red-necked were present for direct comparison, but some seen nearby at the 2nd bridge. Seemed plumper and larger than Red-necked. (see photos) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | None heard from this bird |
| Behavior: | Preening on shore, then feeding in shallow water |
| Habitat: | Brackish water of Farmington Bay of Great Salt Lake |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
Red-necked Phalarope: Smaller and slimmer
with longer neck and longer thinner bill, more streaking on back. Seen
the same day, but at a different location(2nd bridge) Wilson's Phalarope: Larger and slimmer with much longer neck in proportion and longer thinner bill, a weaker gray line behind the eye. Direct comparison. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
Yes, several with Red, hundreds of thousands annually with Red-necked and Wilson's. |
| References consulted: | Memory |
| Description from: | From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting |
| Observer: | Bryant Olsen |
| Observer's address: | 84102 |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | Max and Mike Malmquist were with me, many other observers also saw this bird as well. |
| Date prepared: | 10/22/24 |
| Additional material: | |
| Additional comments: | eBird checklist https://ebird.org/checklist/S193334215 |