Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2026-79a
| Common name: |
Wedge-rumped Storm-Petrel |
| Scientific name: | Hydrobates tethys |
| Date: | 10-12-2026 |
| Time: | 9:32 AM |
| Length of time observed: | Total time on bird about 5-minutes over 45-minute period (rough conditions made staying on this bird quite difficult) |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | Unknown |
| Sex: | Unknown |
| Location: | Hyrum Reservoir & SP |
| County: | Cache |
| Latilong: | 41.623286, -111.859632 |
| Elevation: | |
| Distance to bird: | 70m at closest, varying distances throughout observation |
| Optical equipment: | Swarovski 20x60 spotting scope, 10x42 nikon monarchs, Canon 7D MKII, sigma 150-600mm lens. |
| Weather: | Periods of rather intense rainfall, soaking myself and optics. Wind varying between 10-20mph; low-hanging clouds producing high volume of precipitation. |
| Light Conditions: | Overcast |
| Description: Size of bird: | |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
First got on a small Storm-Petrel cruising low over the water with
fairly direct, yet buoyant flight style from the day use area. Observed
through binos initially, enough to ID as a Storm-Petrel but not to
species. While fumbling for my camera I was hit by an intense wave of
the storm and lost the bird for nearly half an hour following. A truly
miserable feeling, I might add. I changed vantage points and was able to
get much better looks from the main state park entrance, scoping from a
sheltered position though still dealing with some distance and rain.
Looks off and on over the next 25-min from this point, heavily
prioritizing doc shots. Noted size similar to Barn Swallows though stockier overall with longer wings. Obvious white rump. Lighter brownish carpal bars evident through scope when it came to the nearside of the reservoir. Overall small size, shorter and more rounded wings plus a relatively short tail in comparison, as well as the extensive amount of white on rump point to Wedge-rumped over other possible white-rumped storm-petrels. Others were able to get much better photos of this individual later in the day, in much better weather conditions solidifying the ID (shoutout Adam Hess for his awesome photos).. Pics show the mentioned compact structure, more rounded wings (vs say Leach’s complex birds), extensive white on rump and sides of rump, and a rather small, petite bill. (Photos) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | No vocalizations heard |
| Behavior: | Cruising low over the reservoir with swallows for the entire duration of my observation. Covered considerable distance over water, would lose it often in rain. |
| Habitat: | Open water of Hyrum Reservoir |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
See “detailed-description” section. Size, structure, and amount of white on rump point to WRSP over other possible white-rumped Storm-Petrel species. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
Have seen many of the Pacific Storm-Petrels in quantity, though never Wedge-rumped. |
| References consulted: | Peers studying Pacific Storm-Petrels; Petrels, Albatross, & Storm-Petrels of North American (Steve N. G. Howell); Macaulay Library. |
| Description from: | (notes, memory, photos, Adam Hess’s photos): |
| Observer: | Ken Watkins |
| Observer's address: | Mendon, Utah 84321 |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | |
| Date prepared: | 10-16-2026 |
| Additional material: | Photos |
| Additional comments: |