Black-legged Kittiwake at Ivins Reservoir

["Rick Fridell" <rfridell at redrock dot net>]

This is to follow-up Steve Summer's earlier report from this morning:

This morning (01/05) at 0910, I observed an adult Black-legged Kittiwake at
Ivins Reservoir, Washington County, UT.  Ivins Reservoir is on the north
side of Highway 91 (old Las Vegas Highway) approximately 1-2 miles west of
the Kayenta development. The unpaved turnoff is a little difficult to find,
but is just before (east of) an anti-tobacco billboard.  I watched, sketched
and took notes on the bird until 9:35 when I went to get my camera.  I
returned to Ivins Reservoir at 11:00 and met Steve and Priscilla Summers.
We enjoyed watching the bird until 12:15 or so, took some pictures, and I'm
sure Steve got some excellent video of the kittiwake.

The bird is very cooperative (and active), flying about the small reservoir,
and occasionally landing and feeding along the shore.  It allows relatively
close approach and is distinguishable with its yellow/green bill, black
legs, dark markings behind its black eye (similar to winter Bonaparte's
Gull), and black-tipped wings with pale primaries and a grey mantle.

Thanks to Bob Showler (Zion NP) for uncovering the bird and Charlie Sheard
for alerting me.  Bob first observed the bird on Thursday (01/03), and
thought it looked peculiar however he did not have his binoculars.  He
returned yesterday afternoon and knew he had something special.
Unfortunately Bob's email is temporarily out of service, so last night Bob
called Charlie who relayed the report to me.  So it has been present at
Ivin's Reservoir for a few days, at least, and perhaps will stick around for
some others to see.

Best of luck,

Rick Fridell