Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2009-20
| Common name: |
Black-legged Kittiwake |
| Scientific name: | Rissa tridactyla |
| Date: | 06 November 2009 |
| Time: | 3:20 PM |
| Length of time observed: | 15 minutes |
| Number: | one |
| Age: | adult |
| Sex: | ? |
| Location: | Antelope Island Causeway near marina bridge |
| County: | Davis |
| Latilong: | |
| Elevation: | |
| Distance to bird: | 100 feet |
| Optical equipment: | Opticall_Equipment: Swarovski 10x42 binoculars |
| Weather: | clear |
| Light Conditions: | good |
| Description: Size of bird: | medium gull |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | gull |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | adult gull |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | all yellow medium size |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
all yellow bill with downward curving culmen - dark eye with a spot behind it -
the black tail lacks any white tips - the bird was in the water all the time I
observed it and I did not see the legs. please see the photo, as it is a better description than I will be able to give |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | none |
| Behavior: | actively feeding |
| Habitat: | lake |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
Mew Gull is similar, but has a smaller bill and darker back and the wings have white tips. The neck in basic plumage has a brown wash. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
I have seen many during fishing trips to Alaska |
| References consulted: | Sibley Guide to Birds (large) & Peterson |
| Description from: | From memory |
| Observer: | Jack Binch |
| Observer's address: | 1564 Crest Circle - Sandy, Utah - 84093 |
| Observer's e-mail address: | |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | none [until after the first day it was seen, then many] |
| Date prepared: | 07 November 2009 |
| Additional material: | Photos |
| Additional_Comments: |