Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2026-79
| Common name: |
Wedge-rumped Storm-Petrel |
| Scientific name: | Hydrobates tethys |
| Date: | October 12th 2026 |
| Time: | 4:30pm |
| Length of time observed: | 1.75 hours |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | unknown |
| Sex: | unknown |
| Location: | Hyrum Reservoir |
| County: | Cache |
| Latilong: | 41.6186919° N, -111.858904° W |
| Elevation: | 4,600 feet |
| Distance to bird: | 50 feet |
| Optical equipment: | scope, camera, binoculars |
| Weather: | clouds - light to heavy rain |
| Light Conditions: | low light |
| Description: Size of bird: | appeared smaller than a pigeon and slightly larger than a swallow |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | elongated |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | varying shades of dark brown with very distinct white rump patch |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | tubular and downward hooked |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
Overall brown bird with long wings. Very distinct white rump patch that
covered rump but also continued down the sides of the bird. Slightly
notched tail. (see photos) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | Did not hear it sing or call during my observation |
| Behavior: | The flight of this bird looked almost like a nighthawk. It flew close to the water and occasionally landed on the water for extended periods of time. |
| Habitat: | Large body of fresh water |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
Distinguished from Leach's Storm-Petrel by more extensive solid white on the rump patch that came down the side of the bird and the tail, which was only slightly notched. Size was also a factor, as this bird seemed too small to be a Leach's. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
No experience with this bird, as it was a lifer for me. However, I do have some experience with Leach's Storm-Petrels, which I was able to see off the Coast of California on one occasion. |
| References consulted: | National Geographic and Sibley field guides |
| Description from: |
From memory From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting |
| Observer: | Eric Bingham |
| Observer's address: | Smithfield UT 84335 |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | Ken Watkins, Adam Hess, Adam Brewerton, Candice Burke |
| Date prepared: | 10/16/2026 |
| Additional material: | Photos |
| Additional comments: |