Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2023-09
| Common name: |
Slaty-backed Gull |
| Scientific name: | Larus schistisagus |
| Date: | 2/5/23 |
| Time: | 11:00 |
| Length of time observed: | 20 minutes |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | Adult or 3rd year |
| Sex: | Unknown |
| Location: | Farmington Bay WMA |
| County: | Davis |
| Latilong: | |
| Elevation: | |
| Distance to bird: | 50ft |
| Optical equipment: | Vortex 10x50, Celestron 15x65 |
| Weather: | Cloudy, calm |
| Light Conditions: | Good |
| Description: Size of bird: | Large gull |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | Large gull with large beak |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | White head, chest, belly; dark wash around eye, head, and nape; dark black back, yellow beak with bold black band; pink legs and feet. |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | Yellow with black band |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
Large gull with very dark back; dirty wash on head,
eye, and nape; yellow eye, dark pink feet, and black band on yellow
bill. (see photos) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | None |
| Behavior: | Standing on ice |
| Habitat: | Wetland |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
Elimination: Mantle too dark for most other gulls, and pink feet eliminate LBBG. I am looking for some additional insight on this photo as well as my Western Gull photo in my previous report since that gull also may be a potential SBGU. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
None, I have looked at many photos of Slaty-backed Gull. |
| References consulted: | Field guides and online photos |
| Description from: | From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting |
| Observer: | Ian M Batterman |
| Observer's address: | 8538 S Harvard Park Dr |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | |
| Date prepared: | 2/9/23 |
| Additional material: | Photos |
| Additional comments: |
Photos on ebird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S127686383 |