LOUISIANA BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE
REPORT FORM
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1. English and Scientific names: Razorbill (Alca torda) |
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2. Number of individuals, sexes, ages, general plumage
(e.g., 2 in alternate plumage): |
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1, winter plumage, perhaps first winter
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3. Locality: Parish:
____________________________________________ |
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Specific Locality: Calcasieu Pass |
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4. Date(s) when observed: 14 Feb 2013 |
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5. Time(s) of day when observed: |
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2pm
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6. Reporting observer and address: |
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Erik I. Johnson, Lafayette, LA 70508
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7. Other observers accompanying reporter who also identified
the bird(s): |
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Dan O’Malley (spotted the bird), Dave Patton (his boat), Mac Myers
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8. Other observers who independently identified the
bird(s): |
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None known
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9. Light conditions (position of bird in relation to shade
and to direction and amount of light): |
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Various angles. Clear day, had many looks with sun angled to back.
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10. Optical equipment (type, power, condition): |
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10x42 Swarovski EL binoculars in good condition. Nikon D100 with 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 ED Nikon lens.
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11. Distance to bird(s): |
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A hundred feet at best.
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12. Duration of observation: |
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Followed for about 30 minutes.
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13. Habitat: |
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Near-shore ocean
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14. Behavior of bird / circumstances of observation
(flying, feeding, resting; include and stress habits used in identification;
relate events surrounding observation): |
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Somewhat associated with large foraging flock of gulls, terns, and pelicans following shrimp boat. Swimming on surface of water diving regularly, flew a few times, including once about ¾ mi from end of east jetty towards east jetty park.
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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 black and white alcid. Shape
unlike any duck, loon, grebe, or other swimming bird. Heavy bill with curved ridge to maxilla and
feathered extensively at base. All
white below from chin to undertail.
Much white along flanks above surface of water. Black above with thin white line across
folded wing. Black crown, whitish
dusky behind eye with darker dusky streak extending back from bottom of
eye. In flight, tail tucked between
spread legs. White edging to tail
(really the undertail coverts exposed).
White underwings with broad black edge to underside of primaries and
secondaries. All black above in flight
except for narrow white trailing edge to secondaries. Very rapid and hurried wing beats in
flight, seemed to be clumsy upon landing. |
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16. Voice: Not heard. |
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17. Similar species (include how they were eliminated by
your observation): |
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From murres, guillemots, dovekie (etc) by bill shape and presence of white line across folded wing.
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18. Photographs or tape recordings obtained? (by whom? attached?): |
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Yes, EIJ, attached to email.
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19. Previous experience with this species: |
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Seen a couple times in Massachusetts, first time in LA. |
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20. Identification aids: (list books, illustrations, other
birders, etc. used in identification): |
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a. at time of observation: none |
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b. after observation: Sibley |
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21. This description is written from: _____ notes made during the observation (_____notes attached?);_____notes made after the observation (date:_____); __X__memory. AND FROM PHOTOS. |
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22. Are you positive of your identification if not,
explain: Yes. |
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23. Date: 15 March 2013 Time: 12:20am |
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24. May the LBRC have permission to display this report or
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If yes, may we include your name with the report? Yes |
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