Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2026-105
| Common name: |
Little Gull |
| Scientific name: | Hydrocoloeus minutus |
| Date: | 11/13/26 |
| Time: | 3:11pm |
| Length of time observed: | 1 hour |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | Unknown |
| Sex: | Unknown |
| Location: | Antelope Island Causeway - Second Bridge |
| County: | Davis |
| Latilong: | 41�'59.9"N 112�'49.4"W |
| Elevation: | 4,190 feet |
| Distance to bird: | Varied; sometimes as far as approximately 1,000', but came as close as approximately 200'. |
| Optical equipment: | Digital camera, binoculars, and scope |
| Weather: | Overcast clouds | Temperature: 59 - 60癋 | Wind: Gentle breeze | Wind Direction: S | Cloud Cover: 75 - 100% | Humidity: 40 - 44% | Dew point: 36 - 37癋 | Pressure: 1005 hPa |
| Light Conditions: | Diffuse, soft light. Extremely good viewing conditions. |
| Description: Size of bird: | Extremely small, dainty gull. |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | Compact, tern-like |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | Blacks, whites, and grays. |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | Small, entirely black |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
When at rest, the LIGU held it's tail high up over the
water's surface, while appearing to keep its head more hunched. The
opposite was true for BOGUs. In flight and while gleaning, the ventral
side of the LIGU's wing was significantly darker, near to black; the
dorsal side of the wing was a light, uniformed gray with a pure white
trailing edge. (see photos) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | None heard. |
| Behavior: | Actively feeding. Settled in the water only once. |
| Habitat: | Farmington Bay arm of the Great Salt Lake |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
Numerous BOGUs present for close comparison. They lacked the extremely dark coloration on the ventral side of wing, which was the most obvious difference. At rest on the surface of the water, there was notable differences in the posture of the bird (see above). |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
None. |
| References consulted: | McKay Olson talked me through the various field marks. |
| Description from: |
Notes taken at the time of the sighting From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting |
| Observer: | Ethan Eisenbarth |
| Observer's address: | Canyon Court |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: |
Esther Sumner, Adam Hess, Jen Hitt, Dallin Henderson, Katie Eisenbarth, Finn
Eisenbarth, Milo Eisenbarth, McKay Olson, Asher Lee, Shin Enomoto. |
| Date prepared: | 11/14/2026 |
| Additional material: | Photos |
| Additional comments: | Originally found by McKay Olson and Asher Lee. Just want to make sure they get the proper credit for the find. |