LOUISIANA BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE
REPORT FORM
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1. English and Scientific names: Say’s Phoebe (Sayornis saya) |
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2. Number of individuals, sexes, ages, general plumage (e.g., 2 in alternate plumage): One individual, sex/age unknown, gray back, rufus belly |
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3. Locality: Parish:
__Cameron Parish, LA____________________________ |
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Specific Locality:
_______Rutherford Beach__________________________________ |
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4. Date(s) when observed:
9/27/2012 |
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5. Time(s) of day when observed: 10:45 am |
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6. Reporting observer and address: Angela Trahan, Maurice, LA |
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7. Other observers accompanying reporter who also identified
the bird(s): Molly Richard (photographer), Patti Holland |
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8. Other observers who independently identified the
bird(s): Molly Richard |
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9. Light conditions (position of bird in relation to shade
and to direction and amount of light): bird was somewhat backlit by the sun
(i.e., easterly of observers’ position) |
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10. Optical equipment (type, power, condition): 8x42 Nikon binoculars, 8X42 Eagle Optics
Binocs, Canon EOS REBEL T3 (255 mm, ISO 800, f/18, 1/200 sec.) |
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11. Distance to bird(s): approximately 40 feet |
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12. Duration of observation: 2-3 minutes |
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13. Habitat: scrub-shrub habitat along upper beach/dune |
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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): Conducting an Audubon Coastal Bird Survey, the surveyors were surveying a 1 mile transect from east to west along the Rutherford Beach Road. We were toward the end of the survey. The bird flew in behind us about 15 feet and caught Molly’s eye as it came in from the field area beyond the barbwire fence at the rear edge of the beach. She noted that it appeared to be a flycatcher. We all stopped and turned and observed the bird hovering over the vegetation and resting on the vegetation. The bird was moving to the east along the upper dune vegetation and appeared to be feeding. There are fourteen images (3 attached) of the bird perched and in flight as it caught insects. They are all a little blurry but the bird is fully identifiable. Molly tried to circle around the bird to get a better photo but the bird would move down the beach (to the east) as we tried to get closer. |
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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): Dark gray back with no obvious wingbars or other color
markings on back, tail and head appeared darkest gray, salmon pink belly,
dark eye and bill. Exhibiting flycatching behavior, although I didn't note
the insects it was eating. The shape and stance of the bird upon landing was
like a flycatcher. |
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16. Voice: no vocalization was heard |
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17. Similar species (include how they were eliminated by
your observation): Eastern Phoebe – rufous belly distinguished it |
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18. Photographs or tape recordings obtained? (by whom?
attached?): Molly Richard, attached |
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19.
Previous experience with this species:
A.Trahan has observed Say’s Phoebe in Vermilion Parish near Kaplan
(Hwy 696) perched on a fence surrounded by agricultural fields. Patti Holland has
observed the Say's Phoebe on Nibblet Road for two years running Once in 2010
and twice in 2011. M. Richard previously observed Say's Phobe
in south Texas and southeastern Arizona, as well as on last year's Lac-Thorn
CBC. |
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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: The Sibley Guide to Birds |
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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. |
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22. Are you positive of your identification if not,
explain: yes, photos confirm observation.
Bird characteristics are unique. |
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23. Date:___10/5/2012_______Time:___8:10am____ |
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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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