LOUISIANA BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE

REPORT FORM

 

1. English and Scientific names: 

California Gull, Larus californicus

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

http://www.losbird.org/lbrc/dot_clear.gif1 third winter

3. Locality: LOUISIANA: (parish)

Cameron Parish

Specific Locality

:

3 miles offshore from Calcasieu River Jetties

4. Date(s) when observed:

http://www.losbird.org/lbrc/dot_clear.gifJan 19, 2013

5. Time(s) of day when observed:

http://www.losbird.org/lbrc/dot_clear.gifmid day

6. Reporting observer and address:

http://www.losbird.org/lbrc/dot_clear.gifDave Patton, 122 Memory Lane Layette, LA 70506

7. Other observers accompanying reporter who also identified the bird(s):

http://www.losbird.org/lbrc/dot_clear.gifPaul Conover, Mac Myers

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

http://www.losbird.org/lbrc/dot_clear.gif

9. Light conditions (position of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount of light):

http://www.losbird.org/lbrc/dot_clear.gifsunlight behind us

10. Optical equipment (type, power, condition):

http://www.losbird.org/lbrc/dot_clear.gifBinoculars and 300mm lens

11. Distance to bird(s):

http://www.losbird.org/lbrc/dot_clear.gifall around boat, less than 50 feet at times

12. Duration of observation:

http://www.losbird.org/lbrc/dot_clear.gif30 minutes

13. Habitat:

http://www.losbird.org/lbrc/dot_clear.gifopen gulf within a few miles of shore

14. Behavior of bird / circumstances of observation (flying, feeding, resting; include and stress habits used in identification; relate events surrounding observation):

http://www.losbird.org/lbrc/dot_clear.gifCame into popcorn with a mixed flock of gulls including Herring, Laughing, and Ring-billed. Flew around the boat and landed on the water waiting for more popcorn. Repeatedly got up and came in for more as popcorn was thrown.

15. Description (include only what was actually seen, not what "should" have been seen; include if possible: total length/relative size compared to other familiar species, body bulk, shape, proportions, bill, eye, leg, and plumage characteristics. Stress features that separate it from similar species): Lookd 3rd winter, nearing adult.Size between Herring and Ring-billed. Upper wings and mantle medium grey, darker than Herring and lighter than Laughing. Belly, throat, and under tail white with distinct brown streaking in the nape. Tail white with bold but worn black terminal band. Eye brown. Bill dull yellow with black tip and orange gony. Legs dull yellow/green. Wing had large black tips with white spots on ends. See photos.

http://www.losbird.org/lbrc/dot_clear.gif

16. Voice:

Nonehttp://www.losbird.org/lbrc/dot_clear.gif

17. Similar species (include how they were eliminated by your observation):

http://www.losbird.org/lbrc/dot_clear.gifHerring – smaller with darker mantle, wing tips more black, eye brown.

Ring-billed – A little larger, orange in gony, eye brown.

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

http://www.losbird.org/lbrc/dot_clear.gifDave Patton, attached

19. Previous experience with this species:

http://www.losbird.org/lbrc/dot_clear.gifvery little

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

http://www.losbird.org/lbrc/dot_clear.gif

a. at time of observation:

http://www.losbird.org/lbrc/dot_clear.gifPaul Conover, Mac Myers.

b. after observation:

http://www.losbird.org/lbrc/dot_clear.gif

21. This description is written from: __photos___ notes made during the observation (_____notes attached?);_____notes made after the observation (date:_____); __X___memory.

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

http://www.losbird.org/lbrc/dot_clear.gifYes

23. Date:___2/11/13_______

Time:__11AM_____

http://www.losbird.org/lbrc/dot_clear.gif