LOUISIANA BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE

REPORT FORM

Photos Below

     This form is intended as a convenience in reporting observations of species on the Louisiana Bird Records Committee (LBRC) Review List. The LBRC recommends the use of this form or a similar format when submitting records for review (to assure that all pertinent information is accounted for). Attach additional pages as necessary. Please print or type. Attach xerox of field notes, drawings, photographs, or tape recordings, if available. Include all photos for more obscurely marked species. When completed, mail to Secretary, Louisiana Bird Records Committee, c/o Museum of Natural Science, 119 Foster Hall, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803-3216.

1. English and Scientific names: Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia)

2. Number of individuals, sexes, ages, general plumage (e.g., 2 in alternate plumage): 1

3. Parish: Cameron

Specific Locality: ½ mile west of town of Holly Beach, just north of beach highway behind the Apache Oil facility, about 100 yards off the highway.

4. Date(s) when observed: 05/12/2012

5. Time(s) of day when observed: about 8:00 a.m.

6. Reporting observer and address: Paul Conover, Lafayette, LA

7. Other observers accompanying reporter who also identified the bird(s): David Muth, Mac Myers, Dan Purrington, Curt Sorrells, Phillip Wallace

8. Other observers who independently identified the bird(s):

9. Light conditions (position of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount of light): Horrible but sufficient. Steady light drizzle and dark skies following early a.m. thunderstorms.

10. Optical equipment (type, power, condition): Zeiss 10s, Nikon D200

11. Distance to bird(s): ca. 100 yards

12. Duration of observation: about 15 minutes

13. Habitat: pastureland north of beach with fenceposts the only perches

14. Behavior of bird / circumstances of observation: the bird was sitting out in the rain on a fencepost. We noticed Barn Swallows bombing it, and realized it was a wet and ragged Burrowing Owl.

After a few seconds the bird flew down to the ground. We waited and within about 5 minutes it flew back up to its perch, perhaps to dry off.

15. Description: Small long-legged terrestrial owl with paler speckles, yellowish eyes and pale bill. Head swiveled but I never saw the birds ventral surface. Somewhat squat in stature, with broad rounded head, and folded wings about as long as or slightly longer than tail. Overall medium brown, speckles (actually bars) appeared buff or off-whitish. Yellow eyes set in front of head, making a “face.” Pale brow over each eye. Bill clearly pale but color not discernible given light conditions. Legs long and bare, but colors also not visible.

16. Voice:

17. Similar species (include how they were eliminated by your observation): No other North American owls fit this description.

18. Photographs or tape recordings obtained? (by whom? attached?): yes, by me.

19. Previous experience with this species: Fairly extensive.

20. Identification aids: (list books, illustrations, other birders, etc. used in identification):

a. at time of observation:

b. after observation:

21. This description is written from: memory/ photo review.

22. Are you positive of your identification if not, explain: Yes

23. Date: 5/14/2012