1. English and Scientific names:

 

Gray Kingbird, Tyrannus dominicensis

 

  1. Number of individuals, sexes, ages, general plumage (e.g., 2 in alternate plumage):

 

Two, nesting pair.

 

  1. Locality: LOUISIANA: (parish) (specific locality)

 

Orleans Parish, Lake Ponchartrain Lake Front, at terminus of Lake Shore Drive/Camp Leroy Johnson. West of Naval Reserve Center near a public picnic shelter.

 

  1. Date(s) when observed:

 

July 13, 2004

 

  1. Time(s) of day when observed:

 

Early afternoon, around 1:30 PM CDST.

 

  1. Reporting observer and address:

 

Jay V. Huner

428 Hickory Hill Drive

Boyce, LA 71409

 

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

 

None

 

  1. Other observers who Independently identified the bird(s):

 

These birds were staked out. Numerous people saw and reported the bird including David Muth and Nancy Newfield.

 

  1. Light conditions (position of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount of light):

 

Light clouds. Early afternoon. Birds seen from several locations in good and poor light.

 

  1. Optical equipment (type, power, condition):

 

Swift 10 x 42 Monarch Binoculars. Good Condition.

 

  1. Distance to bird(s):

 

10-50 yards.

 

  1. Duration of Observation:

 

Found and watched birds for about 15 minutes.

 

  1. Habitat:

 

Open park-like vista, canopy of live oak trees adjacent to Lake Ponchartrain, public recreational area with picnic tables.

 

  1. Behavior of bird/circumstances of observations (flying, feeding, resting; including and stress habits in identification: relate events surrounding observation):

 

The presence of the birds had been widely reported on LABIRD for at least two weeks before I sent to see them. One stayed on a nest, if I recall correctly, 10-15’ above ground level. The other bird flew around the area, as far as 50 yards from the nest and was likely feeding.

 

  1. 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):

 

I did not think to keep notes once I confirmed the birds were the Gray Kingbirds I was looking for. I had a National Geographic Field Guide and, as I recall, it was a large, bulky kingbird, gray above and light below. The bill was large and tail broad and notched.

 

  1. Voice:

 

None heard.

 

  1. Similar species (include how they were eliminated by your observation):

 

Perhaps Eastern Kingbird but bill smaller, no white trailing edge on tail and dull, not white below.

 

  1. Photographs or tape recordings obtained? (by whom? Attached”):

 

None

 

  1. Previous experience with this species:

None – life bird for me. Have subsequently seen Gray Kingbirds on several occasions in southern Florida.

 

  1. Identification aids: (list books, illustrations, other birders, etc. used in identification):
    1. at time of observation: National Geographic Field Guide
    2. after observation: Peterson’s Field Guide
    3.  
  2. This description is written from: ___notes made during the observation (notes attached?); ___note made after the observation (date: ______); _x_ memory.

 

  1. Are you positive of your identification? If not, explain. Yes.

 

 

  1. Signature of reporter _signed Jay V. Huner_ date June 16, 2011 time 9:00 PM.