Verification of Unusual Sight Record
For Utah

Rec. # 2002-
21


Common name:

Hudsonian Godwit

Scientific name: Limosa haemastica
Date: 4/20/2002
Time: 10:15am to 11:30am
Length of time observed: 1 hr. 15 min.
Number: 1
Age: Adult Breeding
Sex: Male
Location: Farmington Bay WMA
County: Davis
Latilong:  
Elevation:  
Distance to bird: Approx. 150 yards
Optical equipment: Pentax 10x42 DCF WP Binoculars, Pentax 8x42 DCF WP Binoculars, Bausch & Lomb Discoverer Zoom Telescope
Weather: Overcast
Light Conditions: Varied, but fairly bright light filtered through clouds during most of observation time
Detailed description of bird: The bird was seen with Marbled Godwits and Willets in close proximity, so size and coloring comparisons were possible and obvious.

Overall smaller and darker than Marbled Godwit.
Same size as Willet.
Long upturned bill (godwit-like), yet obviously shorter billed than Marbled Godwit.
Gray face and neck.
Darkish cap on top of head.
Dark back.
Dark rufous breast and flanks extending from neck to legs.
Lighter coloring on underparts from legs back to tail, but still appeared mottled rufous in that area.
When viewed from the side, the folded wing coverts were unmottled gray and contrasted with the mottled dark gray back (scapulars and mantle).
Note that this contrast was not as defined as that pictured in the Sibley Guide to Birds. Instead of a color difference, it appeared more as a contrast between mottled and unmottled feathers.
Song or call & method of delivery: Not heard.
Behavior: Walking and feeding with about 12 Marbled Godwits and about 7 Willets.
Habitat: Shallow water and mudflat along shore of the Great Salt Lake/Farmington Bay.
 
Similar species and
how were they eliminated:
Bar-tailed and Black-tailed Godwit both have rufous or orange neck and face.

Marbled Godwits nearby were larger, longer billed, lighter colored overall, buffy color with black mottling over most of body.

Willets nearby had short straight bills.
Previous experience with this & similar species: We have seen several Hudsonian Godwits in Texas.
References consulted: Sibley Guide to Birds National Geographic Field Guide to North America
Description from: Notes taken at time of sighting
Observer: Kathy and Joel Beyer
Observer's address: 1719 Hillcrest Avenue, Salt Lake City, Utah 84106
Observer's e-mail address: twobirders@juno.com
Other observers who independently identified
this bird:
 
Date prepared: June 22, 2002   (General Public)
Additional material: