LOUISIANA BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE

REPORT FORM

1. English and Scientific names: Cory’s Shearwater (Calonectris diomedea), subspecies (Scopoli’s vs Cory’s) not verified.

2. Number of individuals, sexes, ages, general plumage (e.g., 2 in alternate plumage): 1 in pre-basic wing and body molt.

3. Locality: LOUISIANA: (parish) Plaquemines

Specific Locality: Mississippi Canyon

4. Date(s) when observed: 25 Sept 2011 (date of 26 Sept 2011 in other reports and on LBRC website incorrect)

5. Time(s) of day when observed: 10:00am

6. Reporting observer and address: Erik I. Johnson, 102 Goodwood Cir., Lafayette, LA 70508

7. Other observers accompanying reporter who also identified the bird(s): Justin Bosler, Devin Bosler, David Muth, Dave Patton, Dan Purrington, Joelle Finley, David Ringer, Melanie Driscoll, Jane Patterson; and about 10 other birders.

8. Other observers who independently identified the bird(s): none

9. Light conditions (position of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount of light): clear and sunny, sun nearly overhead and boat positioned to have sun towards our backs

10. Optical equipment (type, power, condition): Swarovski 10x42 EL, photographed with Nikon D100 and 80-400 mm ED Nikon lens

11. Distance to bird(s): as close as 15 m

12. Duration of observation: 15 minutes

13. Habitat: blue water (pelagic)

14. Behavior of bird / circumstances of observation (flying, feeding, resting; include and stress habits used in identification; relate events surrounding observation): Found loafing on water and as boat approached, would barely take off to fly a few dozen meters, then would rest on the water, allowing for close approach.

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): Tan head and nape, brown back, large yellow bill with tubenose. In flight, primaries 1-5 replaced, grayer than worn brownish outer primaries (presumed from earlier non-juvenile basic plumage). Underwings not seen/photographed well enough to confirm subspecies (if this is even 100% reliable) – the bird was just reluctant to fly and lift its wings after flushing it 3 or 4 times.

16. Voice: not vocalizing

17. Similar species (include how they were eliminated by your observation): Cape Verde Shearwater (C. edwardsii) is probably best separated by having a dark bill, clearly visibly bright yellow at this range in this light. Otherwise, lighter above than Great Shearwater (P. gravis) and again with yellow bill.

18. Photographs or tape recordings obtained? (by whom? attached?): Photos: http://erikjohnsonphotography.blogspot.com/2011/09/pelagic-trip-south-of-venice-la.html

19. Previous experience with this species: Only seen briefly once before.

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

a. at time of observation: Sibley Guide

b. after observation: Camphuysen and van der Meer 2001 Marine Ornithology (http://www.marineornithology.org/PDF/29_2/29_2_6.pdf ) and various internet sites, including http://www.neseabirds.com/shearcory.htm

21. This description is written from: _____ notes made during the observation (_____notes attached?);__X__notes made after the observation (date: next day); __X__memory.

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

23. Signature of reporter: Erik I. Johnson, 25 Oct 2011, 9:25pm