Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Ruddy Turnstone
Scientific name:	Arenaria interpres
Date:	8/9/2025
Time:	8:10 ish
Length of time observed:	25 mins
Number:	1
Age:	Adult
Sex:	unknown
Location:	Mouth of Lee Creek Delta
County:	Salt Lake County
Latilong:	40.795362,-112.161682
Elevation:	4205
Distance to bird:	100 ft?
Optical equipment:	Scopes- Vortexes and a Zeiss. Camera's- NIKON Z 8's; Binos- 10x42's and 8x42
Weather:	Nice! 70-73 degrees
Light Conditions:	Excellent lighting- partly cloudy. the sun was to our backs to the bird was in great lighting
Description: Size of bird:	small, stocky
(Description:) Basic Shape:	oval/football shaped
(Description:) Overall Pattern:	orange/rusty and black back; black and white face and chest with distinct color pattern on chest
(Description:) Bill Type:	short, pointy and all black
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	I saw this bird rummaging in the debris on the shore. I could tell right away it was a RUTU by the coloration and markings on the chest. It was in breeding plumage. The bird's back was orange/rusty and black and the head was black and white with a distinct black pattern on the chest, and it had very orange legs when you got a glimpse. It was much smaller size wise than the Willet and Avocets near it, and larger than the Spotted Sandpipers that were near. We all got a good look at it from about 200 ft away, then we moved closer to it about 100 ft or closer. (see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery:	None made
Behavior:	It was rummaging in a debris pile (of brine fly casings, sticks, and whatever else), tossing the debris up in the air.
Habitat:	Shoreline, mudflat on northwest side of Lee Creek delta
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	The most other similar species, in breeding plumage, is the Dunlin. Our bird did not have a black belly, and the Dunlin has a much longer bill and no facial or check markings. Another slight possibility due to shape and size is the Black Turnstone, but our bird was rusty orange instead of all black. Another possibility could be the Surfbird as that bird has some orange and black on the back, but the color intensity is much less, and the face and chest markings are not distinct.
Previous experience with this & similar species:	Earlier this year and last year on the causeway. Many in Texas in the past 2 years, most recent in April 2025.
References consulted:	Sibley
Description from:	From memory From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting
Observer:	Felicia Alvarez
Observer's address:	SLC, UT 84105
Observer's e-mail address:	**
Other observers who independently identified this bird:	Connie Misket, Esther Sumner, Angela Gong. Matt Pendleton was able to find it later: https://ebird.org/checklist/S266182708
Date prepared:	8/9/2025
Additional material:	ebird: https://ebird.org/checklist/S266110298 Photos (from Esther Sumner)
Additional comments:	Connie and Esther have additional photos if needed. I can provide their emails if needed.