LOUISIANA BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE
REPORT FORM
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1. English and Scientific names: Glaucous Gull (Larus
hyperboreus) |
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2. Number of individuals, sexes, ages, general plumage
(e.g., 2 in alternate plumage): One in
worn first-cycle plumage |
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3. Locality: LOUISIANA: (parish) Cameron |
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Specific Locality: W. Jetty Beach nr. Calcasieu River mouth, ca. 2.0 mi. S of Cameron |
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4. Date(s) when observed: 2 May 2011 |
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5. Time(s) of day when observed: 5:00 PM CDT |
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6. Reporting observer and address: Justin Bosler 1300 Laban Ave.,
Apt. 165 Houma, LA 70363 |
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7. Other observers accompanying reporter who also identified
the bird(s): None |
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8. Other observers who independently identified the
bird(s): Rosemary Seidler (29 Apr),
Sue Broussard, Ed Wallace, Joelle
Finley, m. ob. (30 Apr-1 May). |
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9. Light conditions (position of bird in relation to shade
and to direction and amount of light): Good
light under mostly cloudy to overcast skies, so no backlighting or glare
issues. |
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10. Optical equipment (type, power, condition): Kowa TSN-4 spotting scope with 20-60x
zoom eyepiece |
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11. Distance to bird(s): ca. 450-475 meters (as calculated on Google Earth) |
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12. Duration of observation: about 15 minutes. |
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13. Habitat: Shell
spoil beach adjacent to river
mouth at Gulf of Mexico. |
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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): Gull
was preening and loafing on shell spoil with multiple Herring Gulls. |
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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): Large,
nearly all white gull with heavy build
and compact structure. Flight feathers and rectrices pure white. Short
wingtip projection. Relatively stout and sharply bicolored bill with basal
2/3 flesh-pink and distal 1/3 black. Dark, beady eyes on relatively large
head. Legs and feet pink. |
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16. Voice: None
heard. |
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17. Similar species (include how they were eliminated by your observation): First-cycle Iceland
Gull eliminated by large size, bulky proportions, relatively flat, gently
sloping crown, longish tail imparting short wings/ wingtip projection, and sharply
bicolored bill with black tip and basal 2/3 flesh-pink. Bleached or worn
first-cycle Herring Gull eliminated by nearly pure white plumage, including all
flight feathers and rectrices, short wingtip projection, and stout, bicolored bill. |
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18. Photographs or tape recordings obtained? (by whom?
attached?): No. Way too distant for
photos. |
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19. Previous experience with this species: Fairly extensive experience across New
England and Mid-Atlantic regions in addition to a few first cycles seen
previously in 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: None |
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21. This description is written from: _____ notes made
during the observation (_____notes attached?);__X___notes made after the observation (date: 2 May 2011); ___X__memory. |
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22. Are you positive of your identification if not,
explain: Yes, 100% positive. |
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23. Signature of reporter: Justin Bosler Date: 16 June 2011 Time: 8:00 PM |
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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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