English and Scientific names:	Little Gull (Larus minutus)
Number of individuals:	1, either an adult in basic plumage or near adult
Locality: LOUISIANA:	Cameron Parish
Specific Locality:	ferry dock on Cameron side
Date(s) when observed:	5 January 2008
Time(s) of day when observed:	around 11am
Reporting observer and address:	Matthew Pontiff, DeRidder, LA
Other observers accompanying reporter who also identified the bird(s):	Gary Pontiff
Other observers who independently identified the bird(s):
Light conditions (position of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount of light):	the lighting was overcast due to heavy clouds but this didn't hinder viewing conditions. A very light rain started about 2 minutes before the observation.
Optical equipment:	Canon 20D with Canon 1.4x II extender and Canon 500mm F4 lens
Distance to bird(s):	25ft +
Duration of observation:	I viewed the bird for maybe 20 seconds before I went to the car to wipe moisture off of my lens. My father had a longer look than I did.
Habitat:	ship channel
Behavior of bird:	I was photographing a Black Tern when this bird entered the viewfinder behind the tern, going to the right. I had caught a glimpse of the underside of the wings when it zipped through so I automatically left the tern and started photographing the gull as it flew away from me. When it had left a decent photography zone, I went to the car to wipe raindrops off of my lens and that's when my dad lost track of it.
Description:	When the bird flew by, I did notice the overall darkness of under the wings. When I was photographing it, I was able to see the light gray back, white edges to the flight feathers and white tail. I never did get a clear view of the head.
Voice:	none heard
Similar species:	All similar species are eliminated by the dark underwings and white trailing edge to the flight feathers that wraps around the primaries.
Photographs or tape recordings obtained?	A few photos were obtained as it flew away
Previous experience with this species:	none
Identification aids:	Sibley
This description is written from:	memory, photographs
Are you positive of your identification? If not, explain:	yes
Reporter:	Matthew Pontiff
Date and time:	31 October, 2008