REPORT FORM
1. English and Scientific names: Ruff
Philomachus pugnax
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2. Number of individuals, sexes, ages, general plumage (e.g., 2 in alternate plumage): 1 basic plumage |
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3. Locality: Jeff Davis Parish |
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Specific Locality: ca 2 mile NE of Welsh, On S side of Pecan Orchard Road near intersection with Freeland Road |
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4. Date(s) when observed: 9/27/2014 |
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5. Time(s) of day when observed: from about 6:00 pm to 6:45 pm |
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6. Reporting observer and address: Paul Conover, Lafayette, LA |
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7. Other observers accompanying reporter who also identified the bird(s): Dominique Leymarie |
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8. Other observers who independently identified the bird(s): Robby Bacon on 9/29/14 |
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9. Light conditions (position of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount of light): good evening light, fading at the end |
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10. Optical equipment (type, power, condition): Nikon Fieldscope 20-60, Samsung Galaxy 4S cellphone video |
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11. Distance to bird(s): Probably about 100 yards |
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12. Duration of observation: about 45minutes of viewing |
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13. Habitat: partially flooded weedy field |
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14. Behavior of bird / circumstances of observation: the bird was feeding in the field with a mix of 100+ other shorebirds, picking at the mud, picking prey off of grass blades, preening, and at least once getting in a brief altercation with another bird (a dowitcher if I recall correctly).
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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 plump medium-sized shorebird, brownish above, pale below, with slightly down-curved medium-length bill, long legs. Reticulated dorsally, with dark brown feathers broadly edged in buff. Center of mantle, head, and breast broadly hooded in dull gray brown, but with broad diffuse white area circling base of bill. Flanks weakly marked with smudgy rows of gray brown. Belly and undertail bright white. Underwings bright white. Tail brown, rump white with narrow dark stripe running down center of rump. Eye dark. Legs appeared carrot orange. Bill appeared dark, but on closer looks a slightly paler basal color—not bright—was noted. |
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16. Voice: n/a |
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17. Similar species (include how they were eliminated by your observation): Yellowlegs differ in morphology, bill shape, rump pattern. Pectoral Sandpiper shorter-legged, without bright orange legs. No other close contenders. |
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18. Photographs or tape recordings obtained? (by whom? attached?): cellphone digiscoped video by me. |
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19. Previous experience with this species: Only in LA, where I’ve seen several. |
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20. This description is written from mental notes during observation, with reference to photos. |
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21. Are you positive of your identification if not, explain: Yes. |
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22. Date: 09/29/2014 |
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