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: Razorbill, Alca torda

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

1 immature

3. Locality: LOUISIANA: (parish)

Cameron Parish

Specific Locality:Viewed from my boat just off the mouth of Calcasieu River jetties on the east side. Flew toward shore and was relocated about 500 yards off of East Jetty Park.

4. Date(s) when observed:

February 14, 2013

5. Time(s) of day when observed:

2:00PM

6. Reporting observer and address:

Dave Patton, 122 Memory Lane, Lafayette, LA 70506

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

Dan OMalley, Mac Myers, Erik Johnson

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):

Full sun behind us.

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

Binoculars and 300mm lens

11. Distance to bird(s):

As close as 100 feet.

12. Duration of observation:

30 minutes

13. Habitat:

Open gulf within 1 mile of shore. Seen among gulls feeding in the area of a shrimp boat.

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

First found by Dan OMalley while searching a group of gulls brought around us by popcorn. It floated and dove among the gulls on the water around the boat. It generally swam away from us as we slowly approached for photos. As I threw popcorn and stirred up the gulls, it would allow us to approach closer. It flew off to the north toward the beach and finally out of sight. We followed and relocated it near shore. It was diving and came in closer when we drew in another flock of gulls with popcorn. After a few minutes of more diving, it flew off to the east.

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):Best described by photos. Bill looked smaller than illustrations of adult Razorbills and is suppose to be an indication of a young bird. Generally white below and black above. White throat coming up behind eye and almost meeting in the nape. White strip on the black folded wings formed by the edging of the secondaries. Stiff tail that pointed up when floating.

16. Voice:None

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

Murres – the bill was the distinctive thick, blunt tip shape of a razorbill.

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

Yes, Dave Patton, attched

19. Previous experience with this species:

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

a. at time of observation:

b. after observation:

National Geographic

21. This description is written from: photos_____ 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:_February 21, 2013_________

Time:_9PM______

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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