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.

1. English and Scientific names: Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus)

2. Number of individuals, sexes, ages, general plumage (e.g., 2 in alternate plumage): One worn first-cycle

3. Locality: LOUISIANA: Orleans

Specific Locality: Seabrook Boat Launch off Lakeshore Dr., New Orleans

4. Date(s) when observed: 16 March 2013

5. Time(s) of day when observed: 5:40-5:50 PM CST

6. Reporting observer and address:

 

Justin Bosler

Port Clinton, OH

7. Other observers accompanying reporter who also identified the bird(s): Devin Bosler

8. Other observers who independently identified the bird(s): David Muth, Phillip Wallace, Ed Wallace, Joelle Finley, John Sevenair, Dan Purrington et al.

9. Light conditions (position of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount of light): More or less in direct late afternoon sunlight at close range. No glare or backlighting issues.

10. Optical equipment (type, power, condition): Zeiss Conquest HD 8x42 binocular (new), Canon EOS 40D DSLR w/ 200-500 mm Tamron telephoto lens (good), and Kowa TSN 881 series 88mm scope w/ 20-60x zoom eyepiece (good)

11. Distance to bird(s): initially as close as 60 meters

12. Duration of observation: about 10 minutes

13. Habitat: urban lakefront

14. Behavior of bird / circumstances of observation (flying, feeding, resting; include and stress habits used in identification; relate events surrounding observation):  It was first observed perched and preening on the breakwall with Herring Gulls. Within about 10 minutes it took off to the north out over the lake.  It eventually landed on the water with a small group of Herring Gulls a good distance out, just barely decernible with a high powered scope.

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, barrel-chested, almost entirely white gull w/ few dark markings on upperparts, neck, and sides/flanks. Wing coverts and flight feathers appeared entirely white. Large, flat-topped head w/ beady eyes. Bill bi-colored w/ black distal ¼ and flesh-pink proximal 3/4, extreme tip ivory. Legs and feet pink. Irides dark honey.

16. Voice: none heard.

17. Similar species (include how they were eliminated by your observation):  Similarly aged Iceland Gull easily eliminated by bulky size, large, squared head, beady eyes, and bi-colored bill among other subtlties. Bleached first-cycle Herring Gull eliminated by whitish flight feathers and tail, neat bi-colored pattern to bill, shorter wingtip and primary projection, and placement of small eyes on head.

18. Photographs or tape recordings obtained? (by whom? attached?): Photos obtained by Justin Bosler and attached. eBird checklist http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S13443527

19. Previous experience with this species:  I’ve now seen a few Glaucous Gulls in similar plumage in coastal LA, plus a number of individuals elsewhere in the U.S.

20. Identification aids: (list books, illustrations, other birders, etc. used in identification):

a. at time of observation: none

b. after observation: none

21. This description is written from: __X___notes made during the observation (_____notes attached?);_____notes made after the observation (date:_____); __X___memory.

22. Are you positive of your identification if not, explain: Yes, 100% positive.

23. Signature of reporter:  Justin Bosler    Date: 8 June 2013    Time: 12:00 PM EDT

24. May the LBRC have permission to display this report or
portions of this report on its webite?  Yes, please.

If yes, may we include your name with the report? Yes

 

 

 

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