LOUISIANA BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE

REPORT FORM

     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: Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus)

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

1 adult; probable female

3. Locality: Parish: Jefferson

Specific Locality: Elmer’s Island

4. Date(s) when observed: 18 March, 2012

5. Time(s) of day when observed: 10:40-11:00 a.m.

6. Reporting observer and address:

Phillip Wallace

New Orleans, LA 70125

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

David Muth (discovered), Dan Purrington

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): Good light; sun to the back of observers

10. Optical equipment (type, power, condition): Kowa 22-60 power scope

11. Distance to bird(s): 75-100 meters; Purrington got closer for photos

12. Duration of observation: 20 minutes

13. Habitat: On sandbar bayside of Elmer’s; surrounded by marsh and shallow open water

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

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):

Larger and chunkier than adjacent HERG but not massive, hence the conclusion that it is probably a female. Black mantle and folded wings with no apparent contrast between outer primaries and rest of spread wing. Broad white skirt visible on folded wing and showing as fairly broad white trailing edge in flight. Extensive white on outer two primary tips. Dark gray flight feathers on underwing. Tail all white. Large blocky head; broad-breasted in contrast to adjacent HERG. Pale iris. Straw colored bill with faded red gonydial spot; bill large but not massive. Thick legs were ivory colored with pink tones.

16. Voice: None heard

17. Similar species (include how they were eliminated by your observation): Size, leg color, and plumage indicate this species.

18. Photographs or tape recordings obtained? (by whom? attached?): Photos by Purrington attached; video by Wallace not very helpful.

19. Previous experience with this species: I’ve seen quite a few in LA and many on the Atlantic coast.

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

a. at time of observation: None

b. after observation: None

21. This description is written from: __x__notes made shortly after the observation

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

23. Date: 4 July 2012 Time: 3:00 p.m.