LOUISIANA BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE

REPORT FORM

1. English and Scientific names: Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis)

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

3 (2 females, 1 first-spring male in winter plumage)

3. Locality: LOUISIANA: (parish) Cameron Parish

Specific Locality: E. Jetty Beach off Davis Rd./ PR-3143, ca. 2 mi. S of Cameron

4. Date(s) when observed: 28 April 2012

5. Time(s) of day when observed: approx. 3:00-4:30 PM CDT

6. Reporting observer and address: Devin Bosler

Lancaster, PA

7. Other observers accompanying reporter who also identified the bird(s): none

8. Other observers who independently identified the bird(s): Danny Dobbs? (originally discovered in late March), Erik Johnson (discovered two individuals on 15 April), m. ob. on 28 April, one individual last observed by Jay Huner on 25 May.

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

Generally partly cloudy to clear sky with optimal PM sunlight. Sun angle high throughout observation. No sun glare or backlighting issues.

10. Optical equipment (type, power, condition): Zeiss Victory FL 8x42, Kowa TSN 881 Angled 88mm scope w/ 20-60x optical zoom, Canon Powershot SD1100 IS (all equipment in excellent condition).

11. Distance to bird(s): ca. 75-100 meters

12. Duration of observation: approx. 1.5 hrs

13. Habitat: Shallow, saline inter-tidal lagoon created by dredged shell-spoil ridge just offshore nr. Calcasieu River mouth.

14. Behavior of bird / circumstances of observation (flying, feeding, resting; include and stress habits used in identification; relate events surrounding observation):

The ducks were observed swimming, diving, and resting. Originally, only one individual was visible, roosting amid other waterfowl (primarily LESC) and larids on shell-spoil ridge. Then another appeared nearby; also arriving to roost during mid-afternoon. Rising tide and human activity (fisherman disturbance) re-distributed the diving and roosting waterfowl during late afternoon. It wasn’t until then that all three individuals were observed roosting together on the shell-spoil ridge. And continuing to roost throughout the afternoon.

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):

A mid-sized sea duck with generally dark upperparts and pale underparts. Crown, nape, neck-sides, rear auriculars, and back dark brown. Dusky gray-brown breast (smudgy) contrasting with white belly, flanks, and undertail coverts. Very white central face patch contrasting with overall dark head, neck, and nape. Whitish throat. Scapulars darker blackish-brown. Whitish tail. Uniform dark gray bill. First-spring male differing from females by overall whiter plumage, white crown and nape, bicolored facial pattern, and two-toned bill. Dark brown irides. Blue-gray legs and feet.

16. Voice: Silent.

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

No similar N.A. ducks. Unmistakable.

18. Photographs or tape recordings obtained? (by whom? attached?): Yes, digiscoped photos attached. Photos by Devin Bosler.

19. Previous experience with this species: Very familiar with this species from many encounters throughout Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. Plus, two previous encounters in Louisiana.

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

a. at time of observation: none

b. after observation: National Geographic Complete Birds of N.A. (Alderfer et al. 2005)

21. This description is written from: __Yes___ notes made during the observation (_____notes attached?);__Yes___notes made after the observation (date:_____); __Yes___memory.

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

23. Signature of reporter: Devin Bosler Date: 19 January 2013 Time: 8:00 PM EST