Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2026-77
| Common name: |
Arctic Tern |
| Scientific name: | Sterna paradisaea |
| Date: | 10/14/26 |
| Time: | 8:50 AM |
| Length of time observed: | aprx. 5 minutes |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | |
| Sex: | |
| Location: | Sandy Beach Spanish Fork, UT |
| County: | Utah |
| Latilong: | 40�'04.6"N 111�'00.9"W |
| Elevation: | 4493 |
| Distance to bird: | aprx. 150-200ft |
| Optical equipment: | M. Zuiko 150-600mm F5.0-6.3 IS Lens with M.Zuiko Digital 1.4x Teleconverter MC-14 with OM Systems OM-1 Mk II Camera |
| Weather: | cloudy, very windy, about 45-50 degrees F |
| Light Conditions: | Diffused lighting from overcast morning. Sun was just above the mountains to the south east. I was positioned north of the bird with the bird directly south and then flying west of me. |
| Description: Size of bird: | Small tern, maybe half the size of a gul |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | White underside with light grey back and black cap |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
A small tern observed in flight following a major storm system. Features
include a petite, short bill, buoyant flight, and long wing projections.
Plumage is consistent with a basic (non-breeding) adult/immature. Key
features noted in flight photographs include a clean white forehead and
underparts, a dark rear cap/nape patch, and a distinct pale/dusky
secondary bar across the upper wing panel that contrasts with the
lighter gray mantle and inner primaries (Photos & Video) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | None heard |
| Behavior: | Seen in flight, hovering in one area for about 5 minutes, flying back and forth, up and down the shore of a distance of about 100 yards |
| Habitat: | Shore of Utah lake |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
Common Tern: eliminated primarily by structural and wing-pattern details. Clean pale secondary bar characteristic of an Arctic Tern rather than the heavier, duskier upper wing and more robust build of a Common Tern. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
I have no experience with an Arctic Tern, but good experience with Forster's and Caspian Terns. I also relied heavily on the help of more experienced people to help identify this bird. |
| References consulted: | eBird, Sibley Guide to Birds, experienced experts (KC Childs) |
| Description from: | From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting |
| Observer: | Tyler Whatcott |
| Observer's address: | Springville, UT 84663 |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | |
| Date prepared: | 10/15/26 |
| Additional material: | Photos, Video |
| Additional comments: |