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.

1. English and Scientific names:

Parasitic Jaeger

Stercorarius parasiticus

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

1 adult, winter molt

3. Locality: LOUISIANA: (parish)

Cameron Parish

Specific Locality:

2 miles offshore of Rutherford Beach

4. Date(s) when observed:

January 5, 2012

5. Time(s) of day when observed:

mid day

6. Reporting observer and address:

Dave Patton, 122 Memory Lane, Lafayette, LA 70506

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

Mac Myers

8. Other observers who independently identified the bird(s):

9. Light conditions (position of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount of light):Bright sun, several angles as it flew around boat. Good viewing.

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

Binoculars

11. Distance to bird(s):

Closest about 100 feet

12. Duration of observation:

3 minutes

13. Habitat:

Open water about 2 miles offshore

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

Came into a group of gulls that were feeding on chum around the boat. Chased a few gulls and checked out the chum then took off.

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):

Fortunately the bird gave us excellent photographs. Parasitic was suspected even with out binoculars because of the pointed tail as it flew by. Central tail feathers were fresh and pointed. Several other features suggesting Parasitic were the size comparison being close to the Laughing Gulls it harassed, and the pale area at the base of the forehead at the bill. Under wing was not barred. See Photos.

16. Voice: None

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

Pomarine – Best eliminated by the pointed central tail feathers.

18. Photographs or tape recordings obtained? (by whom? attached?):

Yes – Dave Patton

19. Previous experience with this species:

Seen a few in this same area before

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

None

a. at time of observation:

b. after observation:

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

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

23. Signature of reporter: Dave Patton

Date:_1/9/12_________

Time:_______

24. May the LBRC have permission to display this report or
portions of this report on its webite? Yes

If yes, may we include your name with the report?

Yes

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