Verification of Unusual Sight Record
For Utah

Rec. # 2013-34


Common name:

Red-throated Loon

Scientific name: Gavia stellata
Date: April 25, 2013
Time: 10:15 am
Length of time observed: 45 minutes
Number: 1
Age: adult nonbreeding
Sex: n/a
Location: Lee Kay Ponds
County: Salt Lake
Latilong: n/a
Elevation: n/a
Distance to bird: 150 yards
Optical equipment: scope
Weather: warm
Light Conditions: bright and clear
Description:        Size of bird: approx. 25 inches
(Description:)       Basic Shape: long, narrow
(Description:)  Overall Pattern: back brownish, lower part white
(Description:)            Bill Type: thin bill, slightly upturned
(Description:)                              
Field Marks and
Identifying Characteristics:
Sharply defined white on the face, and white spotting on the back.
 
Song or call & method of delivery: n/a
Behavior: looking for food - diving
Habitat: the pond
Similar species and how
were they eliminated:
common loon - shape and color of the face - the back was not spotted - eye was not surrounded by brown - not a steep forehead
Previous experience with
this & similar species:
Saw several of these species in Oregon at the coast in 1997
References consulted: National Geographic
Description from: Notes taken at the time of the sighting
Observer: Ned Bixler
Observer's address: 1156 N 2920 W Provo, UT 84601
Observer's e-mail address: **
Other observers who independently identified this bird: Doug Mead was with me
Date prepared: 4/25/2013
Additional material:  
Additional_Comments: