Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2013-02
| Common name: |
Lesser Black-backed Gull |
| Scientific name: | Larus fuscus |
| Date: | 12/22/2012 |
| Time: | 1pm |
| Length of time observed: | 30 minutes |
| Number: | 2 |
| Age: | |
| Sex: | |
| Location: | Bountiful Pond |
| County: | Davis |
| Latilong: | |
| Elevation: | |
| Distance to bird: | 100 yards |
| Optical equipment: | Pentax DCF 10x50 bino's, Vortex Impact spotter, Canon PS SX50 hs |
| Weather: | Cold, sunny |
| Light Conditions: | Sunny |
| Description: Size of bird: | 21" |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | Gull |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | White/gray |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | Yellow w/ red spot on lower mandible |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
Yellow legs, yellow bill with oblong red spot on lower mandible, dark gray
mantle and slightly smaller than Herring Gulls. (see photos) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | N/A |
| Behavior: | Stationary |
| Habitat: | Frozen pond adjacent to landfill. |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
California Gull- slightly larger, absent of dark spot on bill and much darker
mantle. Herring Gull- smaller and had yellow legs. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
Seen with Ryan O'Donnel previous month in Cache County. |
| References consulted: | Petersen's, Sibley and Stokes Field Guides. |
| Description from: | Notes taken at time of sighting |
| Observer: | Mike Hearell |
| Observer's address: | 173 W 1825 N, North Ogden, UT |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | Taylor Abbott |
| Date prepared: | 1/05/2013 |
| Additional material: | Photos |
| Additional_Comments: |