Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Red Phalarope
Scientific name:	Phalaropus fulicarius
Date:	9/26/2016
Time:	8:30 AM
Length of time observed:	5 minutes
Number:	2
Age:	Adult
Sex:	Unknown
Location:	Antelope Island State Park Marina
County:	Davis
Latilong:
Elevation:	4,200'
Distance to bird:	75'
Optical equipment:	8x42 binoculars and a 500mm lens
Weather:	Sunny and clear
Light Conditions:	Perfect morning light
Description: Size of bird:	large shorebird
(Description:) Basic Shape:	"floating football"
(Description:) Overall Pattern:	white, gray, and black
(Description:) Bill Type:	mid-length, thick bill
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	Large phalaropes in basic plumage--mostly white, with a gray back with some black streaks. Head had a large black tear drop behind the eye, and a black rear cap with a lighter grayer crown. The birds sat high in the water, so they had a "football" shape appearance that REPH often seem to have. (see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery:	None
Behavior:	Feeding on calm water
Habitat:	Great Salt Lake Marina--still, shallow water protected by a breakwall
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	Red-necked Phalarope have a thinner bill that tapers to a dagger at the end. Since the birds weren't in the company of any Red-necked at the time, it was impossible to judge size, but the bill alone is key.
Previous experience with this & similar species:	Have seen all 3 species of phalarope on numerous occasions.
References consulted:	None.
Description from:	Notes made later
Observer:	Tim Avery
Observer's address:	Sandy, Utah
Observer's e-mail address:	**
Other observers who independently identified this bird:
Date prepared:	01/31/2016
Additional material:	Photos
Additional comments:	Photos: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S31795948