Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2004-32a
| Common name: |
Brant |
| Scientific name: | Branta bernicla |
| Date: | October 10th,2004 |
| Time: | 10:30 am |
| Length of time observed: | 20 minutes |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | adult |
| Sex: | unknown |
| Location: | Bear River Migratory Refuge loop--south end |
| County: | Box Elder |
| Latilong: | 41.441N 112.306W |
| Elevation: | 4208 ft |
| Distance to bird: | 200 feet |
| Optical equipment: | Bausch & Lomb Elite 7X36 |
| Weather: | cloudy, and windy--white caps on the water |
| Light Conditions: | overcast at times |
| Detailed description of bird: | It appeared all dark except the white around the tail area and a lighter area near the water line. It was this white that first caught my attention. Then the long straight neck with a small appearing head and bill. The white "necklace" could be plainly seen through binoculars.In fact, it could be seen with the naked eye before the bird swam away. (see photos) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | no call |
| Behavior: | calmly floating and swimming |
| Habitat: | fresh water lake |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
American Coots were numerous with short necks and no white in tail area. There was no white cheek patch that is found on a canada goose. Loons have long bills and sit lower in the water. Scoters have shorter necks, and no white around the tail area. Brants are very distinctive birds that are not easily confused with other birds.A muscovy duck has a short neck. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
I have seen brants in the San Diego River Channel area where it empties into the ocean. Canada geese spend the winter at our local golf course. I have seen scoters and loons in the Pacific Ocean. |
| References consulted: | Sibley Guide to Birds and Birding Utah (A Falcon Guide) which stated "Rare bird--information wanted |
| Description from: | From memory |
| Observer: | Karen Welch |
| Observer's address: | 11045N 5550W Highland Utah 84003 |
| Observer's e-mail address: | Vonwelch@sisna.com |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | Andrew Welch,Pomera Fronce, Kent Lewis, observed on Oct 13 as reported on birdnet mailing list. |
| Date prepared: | 10-13-04 (General Public) |
| Additional material: | |
| Additional comments: | Photos |