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.
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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
worn first-cycle |
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3. Locality: LOUISIANA: Orleans |
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Specific Locality: Seabrook
Boat Launch off Lakeshore Dr., New Orleans |
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4. Date(s) when observed: 16 March 2013 |
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5. Time(s) of day when observed: 5:40-5:50 PM CST |
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6. Reporting observer and address: Justin Bosler Port Clinton, OH |
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7. Other observers accompanying reporter who also identified
the bird(s): Devin Bosler |
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8. Other observers who independently identified the
bird(s): David Muth, Phillip Wallace, Ed
Wallace, Joelle Finley, John Sevenair, Dan Purrington et al. |
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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. |
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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) |
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11. Distance to bird(s): initially as close as 60 meters |
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12. Duration of observation: about 10 minutes |
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13. Habitat: urban
lakefront |
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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):
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. |
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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, 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. |
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16. Voice: none
heard. |
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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. |
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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 |
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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. |
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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: __X___notes made during the observation
(_____notes attached?);_____notes made after the observation (date:_____); __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: 8 June 2013 Time: 12:00 PM EDT |
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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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