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English and Scientific names: |
Glaucous Gull, Larus hyperboreus |
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Number of individuals: |
one, first winter (cycle?) |
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Locality: LOUISIANA: |
Cameron |
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Specific Locality: |
Beach approximately 400 yards west of Peveto Woods about one half mile south of LA 27 W. |
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Date(s) when observed: |
12 March 2009 |
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Time(s)
of day when observed: |
Approximately 11:30-11:45 AM CDST. |
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Reporting observer and address: |
Jay V. Huner Boyce, LA 71409 |
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Other observers accompanying reporter who
also identified the bird(s): |
None |
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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. |
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Light conditions: |
Overcast with no shadows. |
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Optical
equipment: |
Zeiss 10 x 40 binoculars. |
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Distance
to bird(s): |
200-30 yards. |
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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. |
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Habitat: |
Beach. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Voice: |
Silent |
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Similar
species: |
See 15 above. |
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Photographs
or tape recordings obtained? |
Yes, I have a couple of good images. |
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Previous
experience with this species? |
I have recorded and viewed Glaucous Gull on the West Coast and Alaska. |
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Identification aids: at
time of observation: |
National Geographic Field Guide. |
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after observation: |
None |
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Notes made from? |
Most notes in 15 taken at time of observation. Added comment about size relative to Laughing and Ring-billed Gulls. |
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Are
you positive of your identification? If not, explain: |
Yes. |
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Reporter: |
Jay V. Huner |
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Date and time: |
March 13, 2009, 10:20 AM |