Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2011-10
| Common name: |
Black Swan |
| Scientific name: | Cygnus atratus |
| Date: | 2/21/2011 |
| Time: | 4:50pm and again at 5:45pm |
| Length of time observed: | about 20 minutes |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | Adult |
| Sex: | Unknown |
| Location: | Utah Lake State Park, right where the river turns into the lake @ 40.236557 N, 111.738448 W |
| County: | Utah |
| Latilong: | 40.236815 N, 111.73806 W |
| Elevation: | Water level of Utah Lake |
| Distance to bird: | 10 feet |
| Optical equipment: | n/a |
| Weather: | Clear, sunny, around 45 degrees, light breezes |
| Light Conditions: | Sunny, very few clouds, the sun was getting low |
| Description: Size of bird: | Large |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | Just like a swan |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | Black all over, small tuft of white on its rear |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | Red to red/orange with a white-ish tip |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
All black to dirty black swan except for white wingtips. Red eyes and bill
except for a white spot on the top near the front. Feet and legs were black.
When I first spotted it, it's right leg was folded back under it's wing and
behind it, but on top of its body in such a way that its entire leg was out of
the water. This may be normal but it is possible that it was injured. Also, it's
right leg was banded. I was able to walk up to the shore and it approached when other ducks/coots did, but seemed more cautious. There were also two Greater White-Fronted Geese swimming in the same group. I have pictures. |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | Unheard |
| Behavior: | Swimming calmly amongst other common ducks, coots, and 2 geese. |
| Habitat: | Slow moving river / lake shore |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
Other swans are similar, however, this one was most definitely black. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
I have never seen a black swan before. |
| References consulted: | Sibley Field Guide To Birds of Western North America, First Edition, |
| Description from: | |
| Observer: | Jordan Englund |
| Observer's address: | 566 N 500 E, Provo, UT 84606 |
| Observer's e-mail address: | jordanenglund@yahoo.com |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | Suzanne Dunken & Whitney Bush |
| Date prepared: | 2/21/2011 |
| Additional material: | Photos |
| Additional_Comments: | I will email the photos to miltonmoody@yahoo.com |