Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2021-40
| Common name: |
Least Tern |
| Scientific name: | Sternula antillarum |
| Date: | 28 May 2021 |
| Time: | 0900 |
| Length of time observed: | 3 hours |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | Adult, breeding |
| Sex: | |
| Location: | Stonebridge Pond |
| County: | Washington |
| Latilong: | 37�'34.1"N 113�'27.7"W |
| Elevation: | 2900 feet |
| Distance to bird: | Variable |
| Optical equipment: | Zeiss Victory HT 8x42 binoculars |
| Weather: | Sunny, clear |
| Light Conditions: | Bright |
| Description: Size of bird: | Small |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | Tern |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | White |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | Straight, pointed |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
Small tern with yellow bill and black tip. Prominent white forehead, black cap.
Short forked tail. Outer wings with black leading edge. White underparts. (see photos) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | |
| Behavior: | Quick wing beats flying. Frequent diving into the pond for fish. Landed on the tee box of the 4th hole of the Sunbrook (Blackrock) golf course. |
| Habitat: | |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
Common Tern - should have a black forehead, orangish bill.. Forsters Tern - these are seen in our area but they have a black forehead and orangish bill as well. . |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
I have seen the Least Tern previously in coastal Texas, coastal Florida and coastal New Jersey. I have seen Forster's Terns at this pond and elsewhere in Utah. |
| References consulted: |
Sibley Guide to Birds National Geographic Field Guide of North America |
| Description from: |
From memory From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting |
| Observer: | Bill Compton |
| Observer's address: | 1854 Stonebridge Drive #114, St. George, Utah 84770 |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | Paul Jaussi, Steve Sommerfeld, Mike Schijf and others |
| Date prepared: | 21 June 2021 |
| Additional material: | Photos |
| Additional comments: |
This bird was initially seen incidentally from the back patio of our home on
Stonebridge Pond. 3 flying photos of this bird submitted |