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English and Scientific names: |
Little
Gull (Larus
minutus)
|
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Number of individuals: |
1 first-cycle |
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Locality: LOUISIANA: |
Cameron |
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Specific Locality: |
East Jetty Beach, ca. 2 mi. S of Cameron |
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Date(s) when observed: |
31 March 2007 |
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Time(s) of day when
observed: |
~7:00 PM CST |
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Reporting observer and address: |
Devin Bosler Baton Rouge, LA |
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Other observers accompanying reporter who also
identified the bird |
Justin Bosler |
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Light
conditions (position of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount
of light): |
Overcast sky w/
sufficient late PM light. |
|
Optical equipment: |
Nikon Monarch 8x42,
Nikon Venturer LX 8x32, Nikon Fieldscope (all in good condition) |
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Distance to
bird(s): |
ca. 75 meters |
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Duration of
observation: |
15-20 min. |
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Habitat: |
Gulf coast beach |
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Behavior of bird: |
The gull was first discovered at rest at the periphery of the mixed-species mega-flock of pelicans, gulls, and terns. After 15 min. or so of observation (resting and preening), the bird took flight out over the Gulf. The bird was lost in the fading light. |
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Description: |
A very small gull, noticeably smaller than accompanying Forster's Terns, with a relatively large rounded head, a short/slender black bill, a short tail, and fairly short, pinkish-red legs. The gull exhibited the diagnostic dark cap and ear-spot. An extensively black carpal bar was apparent w/ dark markings blending into the median coverts. The tertials and primaries were largely black w/ pale edging, and a white mirror showing on underside of P10. Mantle was light gray, similar to that of BOGU. The short, squared tail retaining a complete dark band. In flight, the bold black M-pattern on the upperwings was conspicuous. The flight was buoyant with quick, snappy wingbeats on decidedly rounded wing-tips. Observed in flight w/ BOGUs for side-by-side comparison. |
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Voice: |
N/A |
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Similar
species: |
Smaller, appearing more 'cute' than surrounding Bonaparte's Gulls with shorter bill, shorter legs, and shorter tail. Extensive dark markings on the carpal bar and upperwing coverts eliminated BOGU. Tern-like flight style also eliminated BOGU. |
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Photographs
or tape recordings obtained? |
Field sketch by Justin Bosler (submitted separately) |
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Previous
experience with this species: |
Not much (just from previous trips to MA) |
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Identification aids: |
after observation: The Sibley's Guide to Birds, Gulls of N.A., Europe, and Asia by Olsen and Larsson |
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This description is written from: |
notes taken at time of observation and memory |
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Are
you positive of your identification? If not, explain: |
yes |
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Reporter: |
Devin Bosler
|
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Date and time: |
11 April 2007, 2030h |