Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2016-42
| Common name: |
Red-necked Grebe |
| Scientific name: | Podiceps grisegena |
| Date: | 11-19-2016 |
| Time: | 8:30 am |
| Length of time observed: | 30 min total over a length of 2 hrs |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | Adult |
| Sex: | Unknown |
| Location: | Hyrum Reservoir SP |
| County: | Cache |
| Latilong: | |
| Elevation: | 4700' |
| Distance to bird: | ~115 yards at closest. |
| Optical equipment: | Vortex HD & Swarovski HD spotter |
| Weather: | Partly cloudy |
| Light Conditions: | Good |
| Description: Size of bird: | ~16" |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | Grebe with long bill |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | Black & White with copper neck |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | Long, pointy, yellow |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
Bird was transitioning from breeding plumage. Black ish back and crown, white
cheeks, mostly copper neck, yellow bill. (see photos) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | N/A |
| Behavior: | Swimming, occasionally diving. |
| Habitat: | Cold water reservoir |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
Too long of bill for Horned or Eared, too thin of bill for Pied-bill, copper neck eliminates Clark's or Western Grebe. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
Have seen in various stages of plumage from their breeding grounds on the tundra to off-course stops around northern Utah during Fall/Winter. |
| References consulted: | None. |
| Description from: | Notes taken at the time of the sighting |
| Observer: | Mike Hearell |
| Observer's address: | Pleasant View, UT |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: |
Found by Taylor Abbott, seen and reported by multiple other birders throughout
the day. |
| Date prepared: | 11-19-2016 |
| Additional material: | Photos |
| Additional comments: |