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.
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1. English and Scientific names: Rough-legged Hawk (Buteo
lagopus) |
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2. Number of individuals, sexes, ages, general plumage
(e.g., 2 in alternate plumage): One
adult light morph, presumed male |
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3. Locality: LOUISIANA: Natchitoches |
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Specific Locality: reclaimed
crawfish farm/ freshwater wetland off US Hwy. 71, ca. 4.25 mi. SE of Clarence |
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4. Date(s) when observed: 19 December 2011 |
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5. Time(s) of day when observed: 5:00 PM CST |
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6. Reporting observer and address: Justin Bosler
2074 Jarvis Rd. Lancaster,
PA 17601 |
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7. Other observers accompanying reporter who also identified
the bird(s): Devin Bosler and Charles Lyon |
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8. Other observers who independently identified the
bird(s): None |
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9. Light conditions (position of bird in relation to shade
and to direction and amount of light): Sufficient
late afternoon light for detailed observation, though not so great for
long-distance photo/video documentation. |
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10. Optical equipment (type, power, condition): Nikon EDG 8x42 binocular (excellent) and
Kowa TSN-4 77mm spotting scope w/ 20-60x zoom eyepiece (good) |
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11. Distance to bird(s): at least 150-200 meters. |
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12. Duration of observation: on and off for close to 30 minutes. |
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13. Habitat: Open
wetland with a mix of overgrown dikes/berms and reclaimed crawfish ponds.
Scattered saplings for perch-hunting. Land enrolled in Wetland Reserve
Program. |
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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): The
hawk was initially observed in a low glide from east to west with wings held
in a modified dihedral. It then proceeded to aerial hunt by hovering and swooping
to the ground in typical Rough-legged Hawk fashion . Its flight style and
behavior resembled that of a harrier. It chose sentinel perches on small
trees from which to hunt/ rest. Closer to 5:30 PM, it took off to the east in
a rather direct flight, presumably to roost for the night in the vicinity of
Saline Bayou. |
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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
rather large Buteo with a lanky
appearance in flight and overall contrasty plumage. Somewhat frosty on the
upperparts. The head was domed and largely pale with a dark eyeline/ patch
and some dark streaking. The irides appeared dark. It had a steep forehead
with a relatively small bill. When perched the wingtips reached the tail tip.
Long, parallel-edged wings in flight with a blunt tip formed by outer five
primaries. The wingbeats were slow and deep in powered flight with short
glides in between. In flight, the ventral surface of the wings showed tawny
coverts, whitish remiges with fine barring and well-defined subterminal band,
and distinct blackish carpal patches at wrists. On the underparts it showed a noticeable
dark bib and solidly blackish flank patches. A broad white basal half of tail
was very obvious on dorsal surface in flight. When perched the ventral
surface of tail showed one broad blackish band and a few narrower bands
proximally; white tail tip also noticeable on both surfaces. Distinctly
feathered tarsus well seen while hovering with legs extended – feathers tawny
with dark markings. |
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16. Voice: none
heard. |
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17. Similar species (include how they were eliminated by
your observation): Light-morph
Red-tailed Hawks easily eliminated by extensively blackish band on belly, distinct
blackish bib, whitish “mask”, solidly dark carpal patches, lightly-marked
patagials, and wide subterminal tail band in addition to long, parallel-edged
wings and harrier-like flight style. Swainson’s Hawk eliminated by solidly
dark carpal patches, whitish remiges, and wide subterminal tail band, in
addition to wing shape and flight style. No plumage or structural
characteristics suggested any hybrid origin with Swainson’s or Red-tailed
Hawk. |
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18. Photographs or tape recordings obtained? (by whom?
attached?): Video obtained by Justin
Bosler and attached. |
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19. Previous experience with this species: Dozens of individuals of all morphs,
ages, and sexes in the Northeast and Ontario, Canada. |
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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: Raptors
of Western North America (Wheeler, 2003) |
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21. This description is written from: _____ notes made
during the observation (_____notes attached?);__X__notes made after the observation (date: 20 Dec 2011); __X__memory. |
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22. Are you positive of your identification if not,
explain: Yes, 100% positive. |
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23. Signature of reporter:
Justin Bosler Date: 28 November 2012 Time: 2:45 PM EST |
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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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