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.

English and Scientific names: Mountain Bluebird, Sialia currucoides

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

Parish: Jefferson

Specific Locality: Grand Isle: LA 1 at Cheniere Caminada Cemetery

Date(s) when observed: 28 December 2010

Time(s) of day when observed: 1310

Reporting observer and address: Robert C. Dobbs

LaVerkin, UT

Other observers accompanying reporter who also identified the bird(s): Meribeth Huizinga

Other observers who independently identified the bird(s): Discovered during Grand Isle CBC, 22 December 2010

Light conditions (position of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount of light): Clear sky; no shade

Optical equipment (type, power, condition): Swarovski 8x30 binoculars

Distance to bird(s): As close as approx. 15 m

Duration of observation: 15 min

Habitat: Deforested cheniere in marsh landscape (primarily LA 1 right-of-way)

Behavior of bird / circumstances of observation (flying, feeding, resting; include and stress habits used in identification; relate events surrounding observation): Foraging by perching on utility wires, signs, and dead trees along LA 1 and sallying down to pounce on insects in mowed grass of cemetery and road shoulder.

Description (include only what was actually seen, not what "should" have been seen; include if possible: Approximately similar to Eastern Bluebird in size, shape, and posture. Plain gray head, back, breast and belly, with pale blue flight feathers. Fine, all-black bill.

Voice: Not vocal.

Similar species (include how they were eliminated by your observation): All age/sex classes of other bluebird species show some orange in breast. Females of other bluebird species also have heavier bills with yellowish gapes. Townsend’s Solitaire is longer-tailed, has conspicuous buffy wing stripe, and has no blue in flight feathers.

Photographs or tape recordings obtained? (by whom? attached?): Photo by Robert C. Dobbs

Previous experience with this species: Extensive experience with this species in the mountain west, where it is common, and where I have lived since 2003.

Identification aids: (list books, illustrations, other birders, etc. used in identification): Consulted Sibley Guide to Birds for additional info on Sialia female plumage.

This description is written from: Photo

Are you positive of your identification if not, explain: Positive

Date/Time: 17 January 2011, 1440 MST