Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2018-10
| Common name: |
Red-throated Loon |
| Scientific name: | Gavia stellata |
| Date: | March 9, 2018 |
| Time: | 1:30pm |
| Length of time observed: | half an hour |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | ? |
| Sex: | ? |
| Location: | Quail Creek State Park |
| County: | Washington |
| Latilong: | |
| Elevation: | |
| Distance to bird: | 200-300 yards? |
| Optical equipment: | Nikon Coolpix P900 |
| Weather: | mostly sunny |
| Light Conditions: | |
| Description: Size of bird: | |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | loon-shaped--doing that upturned head thing they do. |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | gray and white |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | longish and pointy |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
Pure white face, no collar, speckled back. (see photos) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | |
| Behavior: | Swimming |
| Habitat: | Fresh water |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
Nothing else local has that speckled back and the lack of collar. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
None; any loon is a lifer for me. |
| References consulted: | Sibley's Western Birds, National Geographic 6th ed., Birding in Utah FB group |
| Description from: | From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting |
| Observer: | Julie Frost |
| Observer's address: | 8256 Creekwood Cir. |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | |
| Date prepared: | 3/10/18 |
| Additional material: | Photos |
| Additional comments: |