Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Black-legged Kittiwake
Scientific name:	Rissa tridactyla
Date:	10-31-2026
Time:	10:02 AM
Length of time observed:	25-minutes
Number:	1
Age:	Juvenile
Sex:	Unknown
Location:	Willard 2000 W Feed Lot
County:	Box Elder
Latilong:	41.364022, -112.064478
Elevation:	4,200 feet
Distance to bird:	Closer than I was comfortable -- bird had no sense respect for boundaries. Closest about 15 feet.
Optical equipment:	Nikon Monarch 10x42 binoculars, Canon EOS 7D MKII w/ Sigma 100-400mm Lens
Weather:	Overcast, 50-55 degrees F roughly. Wind 0-1 on Beaufort Scale.
Light Conditions:	Overcast
Description: Size of bird:	Medium-sized/small Gull (smaller than RBGU, larger than BOGU)
(Description:) Basic Shape:	Derpy
(Description:) Overall Pattern:	Gorgeous
(Description:) Bill Type:	Bill of a smaller end gull, though fairly stout comparatively to similar species
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	I had been scoping through gulls on the reservoir with Kittiwake on the mind, as I and others do (shoutout Mike Hearell and Kris Purdy for always having an eye out for this species -- and for location info/sharing). Was unsuccessful in turning up anything unusual at my first two stops, and intended to make my way towards the south dike of Willard. This of course, involves a stop at the feed lot on 2000 W for odd Blackbirds. As I approached the lot I noticed a few hundred Ring-billed Gulls roosting in the ag field kitty corner poop HQ. I scanned through these, noting all Ring-bills as is typical of this location. I rounded the bend and was delighted to see a couple hundred blackbirds/starlings foraging in the road -- I'm on a mission to find a Tricolored Blackbird, or Bronzed Cowbird (don't hold your breath) and frankly, enjoy sorting through these flocks. I began scanning through them, putting my binos on the left edge and panning right. After a while pale, worn male Brewer's caught my eye and I followed it as it quickly weaved through the other blackbirds towards the center of the road where I lost it behind a gull that got in the way. Then I happened to notice that said gull was not a Ring-billed Gull, but instead a juvenile Black-legged stinkin Kittiwake, 30 meters in front of me, in a place I had not anticipated it being whatsoever. It was so unexpected in fact, that I spent about A MINUTE looking through the blackbirds before I even noticed that the one dirty little gull in the road was a Kittiwake. Shameful to admit that, but 'tis the truth. When foraging, or landed, the bird displayed a beautiful array of contrast between the white head and belly, the white mottled in folded wing against the gray mantle, and the black of the primaries, ulnar bars, collar, and ear spots. In flight, I feel a description would ultimately detract from the splendor of this individual; thus I will defer voting members to photos. Field marks: - Relatively stout, black bill for a gull with a post-ocular spot (BOGU/LIGU/BHGU in mind) with saturated orange-red gape (see Esther Sumner's amazing pics) - Black, oval-shaped post-ocular spot, or ear spot - Extensive black collar on hind neck - Black-tipped rectrices, creating black band across tip of tail (terminal band) - Extensive black on outer 3-4 primaries apparent on upper wing, notably more-so than BOGU - Extensive black on ulnar bars connecting to black in primary coverts (patchy on this bird; variable in young Kittiwake) - Well-defined black M pattern across upper wing, a combination of the previous two features - Gray, adult-like mantle - Stockier than BOGU, larger head and body. Posture also somewhat unique, I feel like the legs were placed too far back on this bird giving it a strange disposition. When landed next to RBGUs, appeared smaller and more compact, though not as tiny as BOGUs appear next to RBGU. Had seen a lot of this at my previous two stops along Willard Bay's east side. (see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery:	Heard one squeaky "honk" from this bird as it was flushed by a passing vehicle. Funny-sounding. Doesn t really aid the ID much, as I would not have recognized it as this species had I not been watching it, but fun to note. A "lifer audible."
Behavior:	A remarkably tame individual, allowing for stunning, pro-longed views and study at close range. Eating dried worms from gravel road. Was the only gull present at the moment I first saw it, foraging among 75+ BRBL and 150+ EUST and returned to this location repeatedly. Occasionally landing in ag. fields with or near 100-200 Ring-billed Gulls. Has been quite reliable at this location in the days following, seen by many observers continuing its worm-picking antics. Also observed on Willard Bay by others from the south campground (more in line with where I thought I would eventually find this species).
Habitat:	Foraging for worms on gravel road adjacent large cattle feed lot bordering Willard Reservoir and surrounded by ag. fields.
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	Little Gull: Lacking dark cap of young LIGUs, which also show black ulnars/M-pattern on upper-wing. Presence of Black collar rules out this species as well. As does size. Larger bill. And everything else. Bonaparte's Gull: Our most common hooded gull this time of year, present in up to 4-digit numbers on Willard Bay and the GSL. Youngsters sport weak/incomplete M's on upperwing of varying boldness, though all wish they could look this slick. Larger, heavier bill on this bird. Very obvious, bold black collar on hind neck unique to BLKI. Relative size, more Larus-like structure, etc. all safely rule out this species. Ross Gull (A bird we shall find in Utah one day): Eliminated by larger size, extensive black collar, and relatively large, stout bill compared to hooded gulls with similar plumages. Red-legged Kittiwake: This individual was paler mantled, larger, with a different build/structure than RLKI. The bold black collar also rules out this species of any age.
Previous experience with this & similar species:	I have seen adult Black-legged Kittiwake off the Pacific Coast, once in Colorado, and a juvenile in west Texas. Very limited experience with this species, but have prepped for this moment for a very long time, through online study, field guides, etc. Have seen a number a Little Gull of varying ages in the US, >10. Very well acquainted with Bonaparte s Gull No experience with Red-legged Kittiwake, or Ross Gull.
References consulted:	None at time of sighting straightforward identification in my mind. Read through Amar s section on BLKI in the Gull guide afterwards to learn more about this species. Referenced gull topography pages (specifically page 11) to double check names of certain features, like the ulnar bars.
Description from:	From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting
Observer:	Ken Watkins
Observer's address:	Mendon, UT (Cache County)
Observer's e-mail address:	**
Other observers who independently identified this bird:	Happy to say that this bird showed off for many, an incredible experience collectively.
Date prepared:	Started on 10/31/2026, finished on 11/4/2026
Additional material:	Photos
Additional comments: