Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2026-90
| Common name: |
Parasitic Jaeger |
| Scientific name: | Stercorarius parasiticus |
| Date: | 9/13/2026 |
| Time: | 9:49 AM |
| Length of time observed: | 20 minutes |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | |
| Sex: | |
| Location: | Lee Creek |
| County: | Salt Lake |
| Latilong: | 40.786876, -112.171755 |
| Elevation: | |
| Distance to bird: | 30 yards |
| Optical equipment: | Nikon & Sony 180-600mm lens, Vortex scope, 8x42 binoculars |
| Weather: | Clear and Sunny |
| Light Conditions: | Clear and Sunny |
| Description: Size of bird: | Gull size |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | Gull shaped |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | mottled gray and black with white highlights |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | gull-like bill, bluish gray with dark tip |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
"White wing patch on top of wings. Dark overall.
Smaller size than surrounding CAGUs." - Notes taken at time of sighting Mottled gray overall plumage, bluish gray bill with dark tip, dark eye, gray legs, and dark rump while standing. In flight, white wing patches on top and bottom of wings, gull-like flight. (see photos) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | |
| Behavior: | Walking/foraging along shore of GSL, sporadic flights into the air and landing on different parts of the beach |
| Habitat: | Sandy GSL shoreline |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
Our bird seemed smaller in size compared to a Pomarine Jaeger including a daintier bill and less full chest. Our bird also seemed less tern-like than a Long-tailed Jaeger, with a fuller chest. Tail projections seemed medium in length. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
One previous experience with breeding Long-tailed Jaeger but first time sighting of potential Parasitic Jaeger. |
| References consulted: | Sibley, photos shared with more experienced birders, and Merlin ID |
| Description from: |
Notes taken at the time of the sighting From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting |
| Observer: | Jordan Rowley & Hawkin Saeger |
| Observer's address: | Logan, UT 84341 |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | |
| Date prepared: | 10/22/26 |
| Additional material: | Photos |
| Additional comments: |