LOUISIANA BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE
REPORT FORM
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1. English and Scientific names: Great
Black-backed Gull Larus marinus |
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2. Number of individuals, sexes, ages, general plumage
(e.g., 2 in alternate plumage): 1 first year
bird, unknown sex |
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3. Locality: Parish:
Jefferson |
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Specific
Locality: Grand Isle Beach State Park |
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4. Date(s) when observed: 4/13/14 |
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5. Time(s) of day when observed: ~1300 |
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6. Reporting observer and address: Dan O’Malley Baton Rouge |
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7. Other observers accompanying reporter who also identified
the bird(s): Michael Seymour |
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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): bright
overhead lighting |
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10. Optical equipment (type, power, condition): Eagle Optics Ranger 8X42 |
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11. Distance to bird(s): 12-15
meters |
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12. Duration of observation: 5
minutes |
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13. Habitat: intertidal beach |
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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): Observed loafing with mixed flock of terns, skimmers,
and gulls. Flew briefly and landed once we approached it for better pictures.
Allowed close approach before flushing and flying east-northeast out of
sight. |
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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): Larger than nearby HERG. Cleaner white on head, nape,
chest, and belly than 1st year HERG or LBBG. Large, deep bill that
was virtually all black with a hint of paler coloration at the base. Pale
pink legs. Checkered pattern evident on mantle, with feathers patterned with
blackish and light gray. In flight, the uppertail
coverts and base of the rectrices were mostly white with some black markings.
The dark subterminal tail band was narrow. Inner primary panel did not
contrast strongly with other remiges. Blackish irides and orbital ring. |
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16. Voice: N/A |
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17. Similar species (include how they were eliminated by your observation): Herring Gull: eliminated by
lack of pale inner primary panel, bill size and shape, lightness of uppertail coverts and tail base, and lightness of head
and underparts. Kelp Gull: eliminated by size, width of subterminal
tail band, faintly contrasting inner primary panel Chandeleur Gull: Eliminated by white uppertail
coverts, white bases of rectrices, and narrow black subterminal band. Western Gull: eliminated by
pale bases to rectrices, patterning of back feathers, and color of head and
underparts, leg color. Slaty-backed Gull: eliminated
by pale bases to rectrices, dark primaries. Yellow-footed Gull: Eliminated
by pale bases to rectrices, patterned mantle feathers Yellow-legged Gull: Eliminated
by size, size and shape of bill, lightness of greater coverts, and color of
head and underparts |
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18. Photographs or tape recordings obtained? (by whom?
attached?): Yes Dan O’Malley |
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19. Previous experience with this species: Seen many times in northeast, also seen in AL, FL, and
LA. |
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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: None. |
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b. after observation: Sibley’s,
Nat Geo |
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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. Date:__4/15/14 ________Time:___1255_ ___ |
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24. May the LBRC have permission to display this report or
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If yes, may we include your name with the report? ______Yes____________ |
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