Utah County Birders  Field Trip Report

1 February 2020 Gull ID Clinic and Gullstravaganza           At the Eccles Wildlife Education Center Photos and text by Suzi Holt     Those who attended the Gull ID Clinic and Gullstravaganza today had a great time! It started out awesome with a friendly welcome to the Eccles Wildlife Education Center from Billy Fenimore!! He sure knows how to make everyone feel welcome and thanks to James Hoffman and Ream's for the yummy pastries and doughnuts! Tim Avery did a awesome job in the clinic. He narrowed it down to 6 main gull ID tips:        1. Size      2. Color of mantle      3. Primary color/darkness      4. Bare Parts and color of legs      5. Iris color      6. Bill size     Lesser Black-backed gull (front left) After the clinic we set out to practice at Farmington Bay WMA. We saw lots of California Gulls and Ring-billed Gulls, a highlight Lesser Black-backed Gull, and a few Herring Gulls. There were lots of Waterfowl there too. Along with all the Canada Geese we saw Ruddy Duck, Ring-necked duck, Northern Shoveler, Redhead, Gadwall, Mallard, Canvasback, American Wigeon, Green-winged and Cinnamon Teal, and Northern Pintail. A few other species of ducks were seen by others. We also saw White-faced Ibis, lots of Bald Eagles, a couple Red-tailed Hawks, a murder of Crows, Northern Harrier and American Kestral, a beautiful Song Sparrow, Great Blue Heron, American Coot, Pied-billed Grebe and European Starling!    Ruddy Ducks, Green-winged Teal & Northern Shovelers Canada Goose, Green-winged Teal, Northern Pintail, and Northern Shoveler Ring-necked Duck Gadwall, Ruddy Ducks, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler Gadwall, Green-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler Female & Male Redheads White-faced Ibis Great Blue Heron It was a beautiful bluebird day as well with a balmy 53 degree day! Thanks to all who put on a fun event! Song Sparrow    E-mail: ucbirders@utahbirds.org