English and Scientific names:	Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus
Number of individuals:	1 in first basic plumage
Locality: LOUISIANA:	Lafourche Parish
Specific Locality:	Belle Pass
Date(s) when observed:	February 27, 2005
Time(s) of day when observed:	10:15 a.m.
Reporting observer and address:	Phillip Wallace New Orleans, LA
Other observers accompanying reporter who also identified the bird(s):	David Muth and Dan Purrington
Other observers who independently identified the bird(s):	Possibly seen on the Grand Isle Christmas Count.
Light conditions (position of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount of light):	Good light; sun behind observers.
Optical equipment:	Zeiss 10x40 binoculars
Distance to bird(s):	10-15 yards
Duration of observation:	~15 minutes
Habitat:	Sandy beach at edge of Belle Pass about a quarter-mile from the Gulf.
Behavior of bird:	Feeding, flying, fighting with other gulls over fish and refuse.
Description:	Very large gull; significantly larger than adjacent Herring Gull. White head was large and blocky. Massive bill was all black. Upper parts were pale (white) with blackish speckling. The under parts were basically white with some streaking on the flanks. The tail was whitish with a dark subterminal band. The rectrices were quite worn at the tips, as shown when the tail was spread. In flight the wings did not show the pale windows at the base of the primaries typical of Herrings. The legs were pale (ivory colored) with pink tones.
Voice:	None
Similar species:	The bird was a classic first basic Great Black-backed. The size eliminates other contenders. The all dark bill points to Great Black-backed. The tail pattern and absence of primary windows eliminate Herring.
Photographs or tape recordings obtained?	Stills grabbed from video submitted with this report. Video sent to LBRC.
Previous experience with this species:	I've seen many times in LA and on the east coast.
Identification aids:	None
This description is written from:	Notes taken the evening of the observation and from review of video.
Are you positive of your identification? If not, explain:	Yes.
Reporter:	Phillip Wallace
Date and time:	March 23, 2005; 5:30 p.m.