Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Red-necked Grebe
Scientific name:	Podiceps grisegena
Date:	12-19-2013 to 04-12-2014
Time:	1530
Length of time observed:	15 min
Number:	1
Age:	first-winter
Sex:
Location:	Sand Hollow State Park
County:	Washington
Latilong:	19
Elevation:	~ 900 m
Distance to bird:	75-150 m
Optical equipment:	20-60x scope
Weather:	clear initial observation, various afterwards
Light Conditions:	various conditions
Description: Size of bird:
(Description:) Basic Shape:
(Description:) Overall Pattern:
(Description:) Bill Type:
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	Steve and Cindy Sommerfeld located a Red-necked Grebe at Sand Hollow State Park on December 19, 2013. Observed many additional times throughout the winter and early spring as the grebe remained on the reservoir (last observed on April 12, 2014). It was usually observed foraging in the deeper water in the center of the reservoir. Description: Medium sized grebe, much larger than nearby Eared and Horned grebes, similar in size and shape to Western Grebes, but distinctly smaller with shorter neck. Dark on top of head to rear of crown, with prominent white face patch. Long, sharp, yellowish bill, darker along culmen. Neck with rufous hues. Back dark (but lighter than head) with paler undersides and mottled flanks. (see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery:
Behavior:	swimming, diving
Habitat:	open reservoir
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	see above
Previous experience with this & similar species:	yes
References consulted:
Description from:	Notes made later
Observer:	Rick Fridell
Observer's address:	Hurricane, UT
Observer's e-mail address:	**
Other observers who independently identified this bird:	Found by Steve and Cindy Sommerfeld, 12-19-2013. Observed by many additional observers throughout the winter and early spring.
Date prepared:	12-18-2014
Additional material:	Photos
Additional_Comments:	description above copied from field notes. Also observed December 21 and 23, 2013; January 6, 9,10,18,22,24,29 and 31, 2014; February 2 and 8, 2014, and March 6, 2014, and April 3, 2014.