LOUISIANA BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE

REPORT FORM

1. English and Scientific names: Cory's Shearwater (Calonectris diomedea)

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

One bird

3. Locality: LOUISIANA: (parish) Plaquemines

Specific Locality: Deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico near the edge of the Misssissippi Canyon. Other observers had GPS devices and will have a more accurate location.

4. Date(s) when observed:

September 25, 2011

5. Time(s) of day when observed:

About 10 AM

6. Reporting observer and address:

John Sevenair, 325 Stafford Place, New Orleans LA 70124: jsevenair@aol.com

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

Justin Bosler, Devin Bosler, David Muth, Dan Purrington, Joelle Finley; about 20 birders all told.

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

None that I know of

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

The bird was in open sunlight. We deliberately maneuvered to get the sun behind us.

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

Canon EOS 50D with 100-400mm zoom lens, used at 400mm

11. Distance to bird(s):

About 100 feet or less (minimum)

12. Duration of observation:

About 15 minutes

13. Habitat:

Deep blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico

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

The bird was resting on the water when we found it. It flew reluctantly as we approached, not more than a few yards, and sat down again. We did this several times.

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):

See the pictures.

16. Voice:

Not heard

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

There are splits of Cory's Shearwater that have been made or are in prospect. Cape Verde Shearwater has a darker bill as far as I can tell. For a photo see:

<http://www.carolinabirdclub.org/gallery/Patteson/cvsh.html>

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

Many of those present took pictures; I did too. Mine are attached.

19. Previous experience with this species:

I've seen several in Louisiana, more off New England, and many off North Carolina

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

a. at time of observation:

Other birders called out the ID at the time

b. after observation:

I looked at the National Geographic guide to get the scientific name and checked Google to find a Cape Verde Shearwater photo.

21. This description is written from: _____ notes made during the observation (_____notes attached?);_____notes made after the observation (date:_____); _____memory. I noted the time but otherwise this is from memory and the photographs.

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

Yes.

23. Date: September 26, 2011 Time: 3:30 PM