English and Scientific names:

Glaucous Gull, Larus hyperboreus

Number of individuals: 

one, first winter (cycle?)

Locality: LOUISIANA: 

Cameron

Specific Locality:

Beach approximately 400 yards west of Peveto Woods about one half mile south of LA 27 W.

Date(s) when observed:

12 March 2009

Time(s) of day when observed:  

Approximately 11:30-11:45 AM CDST.

 

Reporting observer and address:

Jay V. Huner

Boyce, LA 71409

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

None

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

None to my knowledge. A first winter Glaucous Gull was said to have been found in the area some weeks previous to this sighting.

Light conditions:

Overcast with no shadows.

Optical equipment: 

Zeiss 10 x 40 binoculars.

Distance to bird(s): 

200-30 yards.

Duration of observation:

Observed about 5 minutes total. Noticed around 11:30 AM. Got close enough to note coloration of bill, legs, and feet. Left to get camera and took pictures for a few minutes before it flew off from west to east.

Habitat: 

Beach.

Behavior of bird: 

Saw group of about 30 gulls and terns about 400 yards from me. Then noticed about 4 or 5 gulls a bit closer including a very large, white gull. When first observed, it was picking on a by catch catfish in surf wash area with several gulls including 2 Laughing Gulls, a Ring-billed Gull, and an immature Herring Gull. When last observed, it was by itself and watching me.

Description:

ead, mantle, wings white like White Ibis. Black bill tip. Purplish bill and purplish legs and feet. Dirty white breast. Some what larger than nearby immature Herring Gull. [From memory - huge compared to Laughing and Ring-billed Gulls nearby.] Seemed to have slightly whiter leading edge on wings. White below when flew. No black in wings or tips noticed.

Voice:

Silent

Similar species:

See 15 above.

Photographs or tape recordings obtained?

Yes, I have a couple of good images.

Previous experience with this species?

I have recorded and viewed Glaucous Gull on the West Coast and Alaska.

Identification aids: 

at time of observation:

National Geographic Field Guide.

after observation:

None

Notes made from? 

Most notes in 15 taken at time of observation. Added comment about size relative to Laughing and Ring-billed Gulls.

Are you positive of your identification? If not, explain: 

 

Yes.

Reporter: 

Jay V. Huner

Date and time: 

March 13, 2009, 10:20 AM