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.
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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): One in first winter/first summer plumage |
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3. Locality: LOUISIANA: Terrebonne |
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Specific Locality: Whiskey Island, gulf-side beach |
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4. Date(s) when observed: 3/3/2011 |
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5. Time(s) of day when observed: 8:30 |
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6. Reporting observer and address: Mary Chris Harrison, 899 Browntown Rd. Boyce, VA 22620 |
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7. Other observers accompanying reporter who also identified the bird(s): Jaan Kolts, Katherine Caldwell |
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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): Excellent lighting. Low morning sun at my back during entire observation. |
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10. Optical equipment (type, power, condition): Elite 60x in good condition |
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11. Distance to bird(s): 50 m |
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12. Duration of observation: 15 min |
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13. Habitat: Seen first on gulf side beach, then flew to western spit, still on gulf side. |
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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): First seen resting alone, then flew to western spit where it stood with a group of herring and ring-billed gulls for the rest of the observation. First flight likely caused by our presence. Seemed calm thereafter. |
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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): A large gull with flesh-colored legs and a large, black bill. Heavy dark mottling on mantle, head and breast much lighter, almost white. Dark smudge behind eye. The gull was standing with herring and ring-billed gulls and so the size difference was easy to determine. |
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16. Voice: |
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17. Similar species (include how they were eliminated by your observation): Lesser Black-backed Gull: overall size, size of bill, light color of head and breast. Herring gull: Overall size, size of bill, light color of head and breast. |
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18. Photographs or tape recordings obtained? (by whom? attached?): Photographs taken by Mary Chris Harrison, attached. |
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19. Previous experience with this species: Two summers working on the beaches of Cape Cod brought me into contact with hundreds of GBBGs. |
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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: Two other birders present |
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b. after observation: Sibley Guide to Birds |
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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: Mary Chris Harrison Date: March 4, 2011 Time: 9:01am |
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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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