LOUISIANA
REPORT FORM
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1. English and Scientific names: Common Merganser, Mergus
merganser |
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2. Number of individuals, sexes, ages, general plumage
(e.g., 2 in alternate plumage): |
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3. Locality: |
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Specific Locality: ____Bayou D’Arbonne Lake________________ |
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4. Date(s) when observed:
12/23/2013 |
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5. Time(s) of day when observed: 10:30 am |
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6. Reporting observer and address: Steve Pagans, West Monroe, La |
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7. Other observers accompanying reporter who also identified
the bird(s): Joan Brown |
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8. Other observers who independently identified the
bird(s): |
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9. Light conditions (position of bird in relation to shade
and to direction and amount of light):
Birds were in partial shade from clouds but the light was okay. |
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10. Optical equipment (type, power, condition Zeiss 10x binoculars, good condition |
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11. Distance to bird(s):
900 feet, measured on Google Earth |
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12. Duration of observation: five minutes |
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13. Habitat: lake |
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14. Behavior of bird / circumstances of observation
(flying, feeding, resting; include and stress habits used in identification;
relate events surrounding observation):
Resting on water but flew within a few minutes |
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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):Rusty colored heads, somewhat shorter bills with broad
base, sharp delineation on neck with white below, gray sides, one had
quasi-vertical streaks on its side. |
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16. Voice: none |
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17. Similar species (include how they were eliminated by
your observation): Red-breasted
Merganser. The birds were stockier
built. Also, RBME doesn’t have the
sharp delineation on the neck in females or 1st winter males. |
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18. Photographs or tape recordings obtained? (by whom? attached?):
Photographs by Joan Brown and myself. |
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19. Previous experience with this species: None |
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20. Identification aids: (list books, illustrations, other
birders, etc. used in identification): |
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a. at time of observation:
photographs |
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b. after observation:
bird books |
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21. This description is written from: _____ notes made
during the observation (_____notes attached?);_____notes
made after the observation (date:_____); __x___memory. |
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22. Are you positive of your identification if not,
explain: yes |
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23. Signature of reporter: _Stephen L. Pagans____________Date:01-01-2014
___Time: 4:40 pm__ |
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