Verification of Unusual Sight Record
For Utah

Rec. # 2013-84


Common name:

Neotropic Cormorant

Scientific name: Phalarcrocorax brasilianus
Date: 03-28-2013
Time:  
Length of time observed:  
Number: 1
Age: subadult
Sex:  
Location: Lower Tawa Pond, St. George
County: Washington
Latilong: 19
Elevation: ~850m
Distance to bird: 15 m
Optical equipment: 8 x 42 binoculars
Weather:  
Light Conditions:  
Description:        Size of bird:  
(Description:)       Basic Shape:  
(Description:)  Overall Pattern:  
(Description:)            Bill Type:  
(Description:)                              
Field Marks and
Identifying Characteristics:
Remained through at least 04/04. Immature Neotropic Cormorants was also observed at the SR-9 Hurricane Sewer Ponds (03/09), Skyline Pond, St. George (03/14 through 3/28), Red Hills (04/30), and Ivins Reservoir (5/17 through 8/21). I do not know how many of these were the same individual, but I m pretty certain at least two individuals were observed.

Description:
Small cormorant with long neck and long tail. Overall dark (black to dark brown) paler on the throat and upper chest. Head with turquoise eye and long hooked bill, darker on upper mandible, and pale yellow on lower mandible; yellow/orange gular patch ending in a sharp point at rear of mouth and extending below eye; dark (feathered) lores; indistinct white feathered lining at rear of gular patch. Large black webbed feet.
(see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery: none heard
Behavior: sunning on rock
Habitat: urban fishing pond
Similar species and how
were they eliminated:
 
Previous experience with
this & similar species:
yes
References consulted:  
Description from: Notes made later
Observer: Rick Fridell
Observer's address:  
Observer's e-mail address: **
Other observers who independently identified this bird:  
Date prepared: 12-04-2013
Additional material: Photos
Additional_Comments: notes above copied from field notes