|
English
and Scientific names: |
Western
Grebe,
Aechmophorus occidentalis
|
|
Number
of individuals: |
1 individual, unknown sex, unknown age, winter plumage |
|
Locality:
LOUISIANA: |
on Kincaid Lake, Rapides Parish |
|
Specific
Locality: |
Open water of Kincaid Lake |
|
Date(s)
when observed: |
11/03/06, 11/04/06, 11/05/06, 11/07/06 |
|
Time(s)
of day when observed: |
4:30 to 5:30 PM each day |
|
Reporting
observer and address: |
John Pitre Boyce, LA |
|
Other observers
accompanying reporter who also identified the bird(s): |
|
|
Other observers who
independently identified the bird(s) |
None that I am aware of |
|
Light conditions
(position of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount of light): |
partly cloudy to sunny afternoons |
|
Optical
equipment: |
7x42 Brunton binoculars, photographed with a Nikon D-100 digital camera using 400 MM VR lens |
|
Distance
to bird(s): |
25 yards at closest encounter |
|
Duration
of observation: |
approximately 30 to 45 minutes each sighting |
|
Habitat:
|
Deep, open, inland freshwater reservoir |
|
Behavior
of bird: |
observed swimming with diving ducks, occasionally diving |
|
Description: |
Large bird (approxemately 18-20 inch long body) with extremely long neck (neck approximately 12 inches). large amount of bright white colored plumage on lower head and neck contrasted by a dark (black) strip on back of neck and top of head. Gray to matte black body. Yellowish green pointed bill, noticeably red eyes. |
|
Voice: |
none heard |
|
Similar species: |
|
|
Photographs or tape
recordings obtained? |
Numerous photographs taken. Will attach |
|
Previous experience with
this species: |
none |
|
Identification
aids: |
after observation: National Geographic Field Guide to Birds of North |
|
This
description is written from: |
the day following an afternoon sighting |
|
Are you positive of your
identification? If not, explain: |
Yes |
|
Reporter:
|
John Pitre
|
|
Date
and time: |
11/08/06 1:22 pm |