Lesser Black-backed Gull was removed from the Review List 7 Sep 1996.
An adult (1982-34) found on the beach 1/4 mile east of the mouth of Calcasieu Pass, Cameron Parish on 23 October 1982 (J.V. Remsen, Jr. *, Gary H. Rosenberg, Steven W. Cardiff; B. Mac Myers III, David P. Muth, Nancy L. Newfield); this is the second record for Louisiana.
An adult (1982-34) found on the beach 1/4 mile east of the mouth of Calcasieu Pass, Cameron Parish on 23 October 1982 (J.V. Remsen, Jr. *, Gary H. Rosenberg, Steven W. Cardiff; B. Mac Myers III, David P. Muth, Nancy L. Newfield); this is the second record for Louisiana.
One sub-adult (1985-12; formerly 84-15), at least three years old, photographed on "Rutherford Beach," west of the old mouth of the Mermentau River, Cameron Parish, on 26 April 1985 (Kenneth V. Rosenberg).
One in third basic plumage (1985-68; formerly 84-41 B) on 17 Feb. 1985, Cameron: Johnsons Bayou; J.V. Remsen, Donna L, Dittmann & Steven W. Cardiff (c), Gary H. Rosenberg, Nedra Klein, Catherine Cummins, Greg & Donna Schmitt, David P. Muth. Muth (1985, p. 177) reported that this bird was present through the end of February and assumed that this individual was the same bird "located on the Johnsons Bayou CBC." Closer examination of the record during review indicated that two differently aged individuals were involved (see also Unaccepted 84-41 A).
One female in 2nd alternate plumage (1985-71) on 25 Sep 1985, Cameron: 5 mi. W of old mouth Mermentau River (Rutherford Beach); Steven W. Cardiff (LSUMZ 126705) and Donna L. Dittmann (*).
One male molting to 4th basic plumage (1985-38) on 6 Oct 1985, Cameron: 3 mi. W of old mouth Mermentau River (Rutherford Beach); Steven W. Cardiff (LSUMZ 126707) and Donna L. Dittmann (*).
One female molting to definitive basic plumage (1985-39) on 10 Nov 1985, Cameron: 5 mi. W of old mouth Mermentau River (Rutherford Beach); Steven W. Cardiff (LSUMZ 126706) and Donna L. Dittmann (*).The above three records treated in AB40(1):127 �at least seven�.along Rutherford Beach between Sept. 25 and Nov. 27.�
One female molting to definitive basic plumage (1987-34) on 3 Oct 1987, Cameron: 5 mi. W of old mouth Mermentau River (Rutherford Beach); Steven W. Cardiff (LSUMZ 135179) and Donna L. Dittmann (*); AB42(1):89.
One female in second alternate plumage (1986-63) on 21-22 June, 20 July 1986, Cameron: 1 mi. E mouth Calcasieu Pass; Donna L. Dittmann, Steven W. Cardiff (ph, LSUMZ #130504; Jackson 1986, p. 1215).
One in adult alternate plumage molting to basic plumage (1986-20; formerly 87-7) on 27 Sep. 1986, Cameron: 5-7 mi. W OMMR; Donna L. Dittmann & Steven W. Cardiff, CEQ.
One (primarily in) adult alternate plumage molting to basic plumage (1986-21; formerly 87-8) on 27-29 Sep. 1986, Cameron: 5-7 mi. W OMMR; Donna L. Dittmann & Steven W. Cardiff, CEQ.
One female in adult alternate plumage molting to basic plumage (1986-09; formerly 87-9) on 28 Sep. 1986, Cameron: 5-7 mi. W OMMR; Donna L. Dittmann & Steven W. Cardiff (LSUMZ #130088), CEQ.
One female (primarily in) adult alternate plumage molting to basic plumage (1986-10; formerly 87-10) on 12 Oct. 1986, Cameron: 6 mi. W OMMR; Donna L. Dittmann & Steven W. Cardiff (LSUMZ #130089).
One in adult alternate plumage molting to basic plumage (1986-11; formerly 87-11) on 12 and (most likely the same individual) 18 Oct. 1986, Cameron: 5-7 mi. W OMMR; Donna L. Dittmann & Steven W. Cardiff.
One in adult alternate plumage (1986-12; formerly 87-12) on 18-19 Oct. 1986, Cameron: 5-7 mi. W OMMR; Donna L. Dittmann & Steven W. Cardiff. This and the preceding five records were reported by Purrington (1987, p. 101).
One adult (1988-086) on 7 February 1988, Orleans: New Orleans, Lake Pontchartrain at Seabrook Bridge; Norton Nelkin and Robert D. Purrington.
One in fourth year basic plumage (1988-55; formerly 89-51) on 28 Feb. 1988, St. Bernard: Arabi, Crescent Acres Landfill; Donna L. Dittmann & Steven W. Cardiff, GS. Muth (1988, p. 276) erroneously reported the date as 27 Feb.; re-evaluation of the age (reported as a third year) indicated a bird in fourth basic plumage.
One female in first alternate plumage molting to second basic plumage (1986-28; formerly 89-64) on 16 Oct. 1988, Cameron: 6 mi. W OMMR; Steven W. Cardiff (LSUMZ #138121) & Donna L. Dittmann. This record apparently was "one of four in Cameron" (Purrington 1989, p. 118).
One adult male molting from alternate to basic plumage (1988-79; formerly 89-100) on 16 Oct. 1988, Cameron: 5 mi. W old mouth Mermentau River; Steven W. Cardiff (LSUMZ #138112) & Donna L. Dittmann, David P. Muth (AB 43(3)493).
One molting to 3rd basic plumage (1988-21) on 16 Oct 1988, Cameron: Rutherford Beach; Donna. L. Dittmann.
One in definitive basic plumage (1988-20) on 23 Oct 1988, Cameron: Rutherford Beach; Donna. L. Dittmann; for this and the preceding record, AB43(1):118 referred to �at least four in Cameron Oct. 16-Nov. 5.�
One adult in basic plumage (1989-72) on 18 Feb. 1989, St. Bernard: Arabi, Crescent Acres Landfill; Curtis A. Marantz, Steven W. Cardiff, Donna L, Dittmann, David P. Muth, B. Mac Myers III, Gwen and Al Smalley, D. Bruce Crider, Peter P. Marra. Muth (1989, p. 326) erroneously reported the date as 19 Feb.
One female in extremely worn and bleached first basic plumage (1989-128) found dead on 20 May 1989, Cameron: East Jetty Beach, 1 mi. E mouth Calcasieu Pass; Steven W. Cardiff & Donna L. Dittmann (LSUMZ #138120; AB 43(3):493).
One in third alternate molting to fourth basic plumage (1989-02; formerly 90-2) on 7 Oct. 1989, and probably the same bird on 8 Oct. 1989, Cameron: East Jetty, mouth Calcasieu Pass (on 8 Oct., sitting on water off "Rutherford Beach"); Donna L. Dittmann & Steven W. Cardiff (AB 44(1):106). The frequency of Lesser Black-backed Gull records has steadily increased since the first reports in the early 1980's, and now consistently exceeds four sightings per year. Currently, the species is a rare but regular fall migrant, and rare but less regular visitor during winter, spring, and summer; there is every reason to believe that the species will continue to appear with increasing frequency. Unfortunately, as sightings have increased, submission of records, especially more recent ones, has diminished. Thus, documentation of this species' expansion in the state is still incomplete. For this reason, and because identification can be complex, Lesser Black-backed Gull remains on the Review List. Please submit concise descriptions of this species; photographs are strongly encouraged. Apparent individual variation in size and leg color, and recent summer reports of possible Kelp Gulls (Larus dominicanus) further complicate matters. Differentiation of Lesser Black-backed and Kelp gulls of all age classes may be problematical. The LBRC is also interested in receiving documentation of gulls that possess intermediate characteristics of different species (potential hybrids); photographs or specimens are highly desirable for such individuals.
One female molting to 2nd basic plumage (1989-172) on 29 Oct 1989, Cameron: 4 mi. W of old mouth Mermentau River (Rutherford Beach); Steven W. Cardiff (LSUMZ 152024) and Donna L. Dittmann (*); AB44(1):106.
One first winter (1989-165) on 30 December 1989, St. Bernard: Arabi, Crescent Acres Landfill; Donna L. Dittmann (field notes only including sketches).
One molting to fourth basic plumage (1990-110) on 1 Sep. 1990, Lafourche: beach at end of Hwy. 3090 (Fourchon Beach); Phillip A. Wallace (ph) and John P. Sevenair (AB45 (1):116).
One male molting to 1st basic plumage (1990-25) on 29 Sep 1990, Cameron: 7 mi. W of old mouth Mermentau River (Rutherford Beach); Steven W. Cardiff (LSUMZ 154292) and Donna L. Dittmann (*).
One female molting to 2nd basic plumage (1990-23) on 30 Sep 1990, Cameron: 10 mi. W of old mouth Mermentau River (Rutherford Beach); Steven W. Cardiff (LSUMZ 152299) and Donna L. Dittmann (*).
One female molting to 1st basic plumage (1990-24) on 29 Oct 1990, Cameron: 5 mi. W of old mouth Mermentau River (Rutherford Beach); Steven W. Cardiff (LSUMZ 152300) and Donna L. Dittmann (*).
One male molting to 3rd basic plumage (1990-26) on 29 Oct 1990, Cameron: 5 mi. W of old mouth Mermentau River (Rutherford Beach); Steven W. Cardiff (LSUMZ 154293) and Donna L. Dittmann (*). The preceding four records are reported in AB45(1):116.
One in definitive basic plumage (1991-17) on 22 Feb. 1991, St. Bernard: Chalmette, "BPI" Crescent Acres Landfill; Curtis A. Marantz and Paul Lehman (AB 45(2):285; LOS147).
One in 1st basic plumage (1991-02) on 14 Apr 1991, Cameron: Rutherford Beach; Kenneth V. Rosenberg (ph, card only); AB45(3):457.
One in second basic plumage (1991-22) on 26 May 1991, Jefferson: Grand Isle; Phillip A. Wallace (ph), Curtis C. Sorrells (AB 45 (3):457; LOS141).
One (1991-68), probably in juvenal plumage, on 1 Sep 1991, Vermilion: 1 mi. SW of Vincent mini-refuge [junction Gladu and Shams rds.]; Donna L. Dittmann and Steven W. Cardiff; one of two birds present that day; AB 46(1): 105, LOS News 145: 7. One female molting to 1st basic plumage (1991-48) on 1 Sep 1991, Vermilion: 4 mi. NNW of Kaplan; Steven W. Cardiff (LSUMZ 154361) and Donna L. Dittmann (*); AB46(1):105.
One in first basic plumage (1991-33) on 16 Nov.1991, Orleans: New Orleans, Lake Pontchartrain at Seabrook Boat Launch; David P. Muth (ph) (AB 46 (1): 105).
Four, two in first basic, one in second basic, and one in definitive basic plumage (1991-51) on 21 Dec.1991, St. Bernard: Chalmette, "BPI" Crescent Acres Landfill; Steven W. Cardiff (ph), Donna L. Dittmann, and Curtis A. Marantz (ph). A photo of one of the first-basic individuals appears in AB 46(2): 277-278.
One in definitive alternate plumage (1992-33) on 15 Apr. 1992, Cameron: 1 mi. W of (town of) Holly Beach; Roger J. Breedlove and Al Schellenberg (ph only).
One female in 1st basic plumage (1992-43) on 1 May 1992, Cameron: 7 mi. W of old mouth Mermentau River (Rutherford Beach); Steven W. Cardiff (LSUMZ 154270) and Donna L. Dittmann (*); AB46(3):436.
Two immatures (1992-074) on 2 October 1992, Cameron: Rutherford and Broussard beaches; Curtis A. Marantz (ph).
One female molting to 2nd basic plumage (1992-38) on 25 Oct 1992, Cameron: 4 mi. W of old mouth Mermentau River (Rutherford Beach); Steven W. Cardiff (LSUMZ 154256) and Donna L. Dittmann (*); AB47(1):106 reported ��two to four birds present Sept. 24-Oct. 25��
One adult in basic plumage (1992-22) on 4 Dec 1992, Cameron: Holly Beach; Andrew W. Kratter (ph); vaguely referred to as �One imm. and four ad�.seen in 3 Louisiana parishes�� in AB47(2):267.
One adult (93-39) in alternate plumage on 8 Apr 1993, Jefferson: Grand Isle, near entrance to Grand Isle State Park; Alfred E. Smalley; AB 47(3): 422.
One (93-32), probably in third alternate plumage, on 24 Apr 1993, Cameron: approximately 1 mi. W of [town of] Holly Beach; John P. Sevenair, Cecil Kersting (ph), and Phillip Wallace; AB 47(3): 422.
One in worn 1st basic molting to 2nd basic plumage (1993-45) on 27 Jun 1993, Lafourche: Fourchon Beach; David P. Muth; one of two individuals reported in AB47(5):1118.
One adult (1993-43) presumably the same bird on 17 July, 1 Aug., and 5 Sep. 1993, Cameron: Broussard Beach near Cameron; Joseph P. Kleiman and Gayle Strickland (ph) (AB 48 (l): 119).
Two adults (93-44), one in alternate and one in basic plumage, on 3 Sep 1993, Cameron: Rutherford Beach; Alfred E. and Gwen B. Smalley (ph).
One 3rd basic or older (1993-59) on 24 Oct 1993, Cameron: approximately 7 mi. E of old mouth Mermentau River (Rutherford Beach); John P. Sevenair.
One probably in 3rd basic plumage (1993-60) on 24 Oct 1993, Cameron: approximately 3 mi. W of old mouth Mermentau River (Rutherford Beach); John P. Sevenair; this and the preceding record vaguely referred to as �at least four in Cameron, July 17-Oct. 30� in AB48(1):119.
One adult (1994-119) in basic plumage on 6 Feb 1994, Cameron: large impoundment in marsh on E. side of Rutherford Beach Road; Donna L. Dittmann and Steven W. Cardiff.
One female molting from first basic to first alternate plumage (1994-88) on 6 Apr. 1994, Cameron: 5 mi. W of old mouth Mermentau River (Rutherford Beach); Donna L. Dittmann (*) and Steven W. Cardiff (LSUMZ 160612).
One female molting from first basic to first alternate plumage (1994-89) on 16 Apr. 1994, Cameron: 6 mi. W of old mouth Mermentau River (Rutherford Beach); Donna L. Dittmann (*) and Steven W. Cardiff (LSUMZ 160613).
One male in third alternate plumage (1994-90) on 17 Apr. 1994, Cameron: 7 mi. W of old mouth Mermentau River (Rutherford Beach); Donna L. Dittmann (*) and Steven W. Cardiff (LSUMZ 160614).
One adult in alternate plumage (1994-27) on 23 Apr 1994, Cameron: approximately 1 mi. W of Holly Beach; Joseph P. Kleiman.
One 3rd basic molting to 3rd alternate plumage (1994-28) on 23 Apr 1994, Cameron: 3-4 mi. W of Holly Beach; John P. Sevenair. This record probably involves one of seven individuals present 23-27 Apr 1994 and previously reviewed (LBRC record no. 1994-26; Dittmann et al. 1998). This and LBRC record no. 1994-27 above are included in NASFN48(3):309: "�spring's phenomenon. With only a handful of previous spring records relative to fall and winter, Lesser Black-backed Gulls invaded the beaches of Cameron, where >20 individuals were observed�"
At least seven individuals (1994-26) from 23-27 Apr. 1994, Cameron: along Hwy. 82W of (town of) Holly Beach (two second-year, and three third-year-or-older individuals present on 23 Apr., two of same five seen 24 Apr., and two first-year individuals on 27 Apr.); Paul E. Conover (ph).
One in first alternate plumage (1994-29) on 27 Apr. 1994, Cameron: Holly Beach; Jim Holmes (ph). Possibly one of the first-year birds included in previous record.
One female in third alternate plumage (1994-91) on 27 Apr. 1994, Cameron: 5 mi. W of old mouth Mermentau River (Rutherford Beach); Donna L. Dittmann (*) and Steven W. Cardiff (LSUMZ 160615).
One female molting from second basic to third alternate plumage (1994-92) on 28 Apr. 1994, Cameron: 4 mi. W of old mouth Mermentau River (Rutherford Beach); Donna L. Dittmann (*) and Steven W. Cardiff (LSUMZ 160616).
One male in first basic plumage (1994-93) on 28 Apr. 1994, Cameron: 5 mi. W of old mouth Mermentau River (Rutherford Beach); Donna L. Dittmann (*) and Steven W. Cardiff (LSUMZ 160617).
Two (1994-30) in first basic plumage on 29 May 1994, Cameron: 1 mi. E of [town of] Holly Beach; Joseph P. Kleiman. These birds may involve some of the same individuals found in the same area on other dates during spring 1994 (e.g., record Nos. 1994-26, 1994-29; see also Dittmann et al. 1998), when unusually high numbers (up to 20) were reported; NASFN 48(3): 309.
One in 1st basic plumage (1994-49) on 18 Dec 1994, Cameron: Johnsons Bayou Beach; Phillip A. Wallace.
One first year (1994-072) on 20 April 1994, Jefferson: Grand Isle, Grand Isle SP; Jim Holmes, Jr. (notes; a portion of field notes shown at right).
One female molting from second basic to second alternate plumage (1994-94) on 28 Apr. 1994, Cameron: 2 mi. W of old mouth Mermentau River (Rutherford Beach); Donna L. Dittmann (*) and Steven W. Cardiff (LSUMZ 160618).
One female in first alternate plumage (1994-95) on 14 May 1994, Cameron: 5 mi. W of old mouth Mermentau River (Rutherford Beach); Donna L. Dittmann (*) and Steven W. Cardiff (LSUMZ 160619). A general reference for the spring 1994 observations appears in FN 48 (3):309 and LOS 159.
One female molting from first alternate to second basic plumage (1994-96) on 18 June 1994, Cameron: 5 mi. W of old mouth Mermentau River (Rutherford Beach); Donna L. Dittmann (*) and Steven W. Cardiff (LSUMZ 160620).
One male molting from first alternate to second basic plumage (1994-97) on 18 June 1994, Cameron: 5 mi. W of old mouth Mermentau River (Rutherford Beach); Donna L. Dittmann (*) and Steven W. Cardiff (LSUMZ 160621).
One female molting from first alternate to second basic plumage (1994-98) on 19 June 1994, Cameron: 5 mi. W of old mouth Mermentau River (Rutherford Beach); Donna L. Dittmann (*) and Steven W. Cardiff (LSUMZ 160622).
One female molting from first alternate to second basic plumage (1994-99) on 19 June 1994, Cameron: 5 mi. W of old mouth Mermentau River (Rutherford Beach); Donna L. Dittmann (*) and Steven W. Cardiff (LSUMZ 160623). This record and the three preceding records are reported in FN 48(5):952 and LOS161.
One female in definitive basic plumage (1994-100) on 3 Nov. 1994, Cameron: 9mi. W of old mouth Mermentau River (Broussard Beach); Donna L. Dittmann (*) and J. V. Remsen (LSUMZ 160624) (FN49 (1):58; LOS162).
One adult or near adult (1994-171) on 19 December 1994, Cameron: Rutherford Beach area (Creole CBC); Paul E. Conover (sketch) and William Fontenot (ABF card-only).
One adult (1994-117) in basic plumage on 23 Dec 1994, Vermilion: junction Hwy. 35 and Hwy. 699 (SE quad across from Vincent Refuge); seen also 2 mi. S on W. side of Hwy. 35; Donna L. Dittmann and Steven W. Cardiff; NASFN 49(4): 866.
Two (1994-118) in first basic plumage on 26 Dec 1994, Orleans: New Orleans East, Recovery 1 Landfill, S of Hwy. 90 at W. edge of Bayou Sauvage NWR; Donna L. Dittmann and Steven W. Cardiff; LOS News 164: 6. No. 1994-118 and No. 1994-117 are included in "present in 5 LA parishes where the species is increasing,� NASFN 49(2): 157.
Three (1995-43) in first basic plumage on 9 Mar 1995, Orleans: New Orleans East, Recovery 1 Landfill, W. edge of Bayou Sauvage NWR; Steven W. Cardiff and Donna L. Dittmann; NASFN 49(3): 262, LOS News 165: 8.
One adult (1995-44) in alternate plumage on 28 Apr 1995, Cameron: Rutherford Beach; Steven W. Cardiff and Donna L. Dittmann; FN 49(3): 262, LOS News 165: 8.
One (1995-45) in first alternate plumage on 30 Apr 1995, Cameron: Holly Beach, vicinity of old pier; Steven W. Cardiff and Donna L. Dittmann; FN 49(3): 262, LOS News 165: 8.
One male molting from third basic to fourth alternate plumage (1995-125) on 28 Apr. 1995, Cameron: 5 mi. W of old mouth Mermentau River (Rutherford Beach); Steven W. Cardiff (LSUMZ 162184) and Donna L. Dittmann (*). This and the preceding record are reported in FN 49(3):262 and LOS 165.
One (1995-46) in second basic plumage on 6 May 1995, Cameron: Rutherford Beach; Steven W. Cardiff and Donna L. Dittmann. This and preceding two records included in "only about 3 in Cameron Parish during spring 1995,� NASFN 49(3): 262.
Two (1995-106) in third basic plumage on 27 Aug 1995, Cameron: Rutherford Beach; Phillip Wallace; LOS News 168: 4.
One (1995-82) molting from second-alternate to third-basic plumage on 23 Sep 1995, Cameron: Rutherford Beach; Steven W. Cardiff and Donna L. Dittmann; LOS News 186: 4. Three specimens from the same locality on 23-24 Sep 1995 were previously accepted as separate records (Nos. 1995-126, 1995-127, 1995-129; Dittmann et al. 1998). One male in worn definitive alternate plumage (1995-126) on 23 Sep. 1995, Cameron: 5 mi. W of old mouth Mermentau River (Rutherford Beach); Steven W. Cardiff (LSUMZ 162185) and Donna L. Dittmann (*).
One male in definitive alternate plumage (1995-127) on 24 Sep. 1995, Cameron: 5 mi. W of old mouth Mermentau River (Rutherford Beach); Steven W. Cardiff (LSUMZ 162187) and Donna L. Dittmann (*).
One female molting from second alternate to third basic plumage (1995-129) on 24 Sep.1995, Cameron: 5mi. W of old mouth Mermentau River (Rutherford Beach); Steven W. Cardiff (LSUMZ 162186) and Donna L. Dittmann (*).
Three, two adults and one sub-adult (1995-168), on 30 Sep 1995, Cameron: Broussard Beach [= extreme W end Rutherford Beach]; Joseph P. Kleiman.
One (1995-105) molting from third alternate to fourth basic plumage on 14 Oct 1995, Lafourche: Fourchon Beach; Phillip Wallace; LOS News 168: 5.
Two (1995-84), one in second alternate molting to third basic plumage and one in second basic plumage, on 21 Oct 1995, Cameron: Rutherford Beach; Steven W. Cardiff and Donna L. Dittmann; LOS News 168: 4-5. Nos. 1995-84, 1995-105, and 1995-82 are among the "15 to 20 individuals, beginning 27 Aug" reported during fall 1995 in NASFN 50(1): 67. The 27 Aug record likely pertains to birds that summered locally, rather than early fall migrants as implied. Southbound migrants typically begin arriving in Louisiana in mid- to late Sep.
One male in second basic plumage (1995-164) on 27 Oct. 1995, Cameron: 1 mi. W of old mouth Mermentau River (Rutherford Beach); Steven W. Cardiff (LSUMZ 162188) and Donna L. Dittmann (*).
One female in definitive basic plumage (1995-165) on 27 Oct. 1995, Cameron: 4 mi. W of old mouth Mermentau River (Rutherford Beach); Steven W. Cardiff (LSUMZ 162189) and Donna L. Dittmann (*). This and the preceding four records are referred to in FN50 (1):67 and LOS169.
Eleven (1995-83) of a total of 13 individuals over a three-day period 27-29 Oct 1995, Cameron: Rutherford Beach; Steven W. Cardiff and Donna L. Dittmann. The break down on these individuals is as follows. On 27 Oct: eight individuals, including one definitive alternate, one mostly in definitive basic (specimen, previously reviewed), three adults molting from alternate to basic, one 3rd alternate molting to 4th basic, one 2nd basic (specimen, previously reviewed), and one juvenile. On 28 Oct: 5 birds, including two definitive alternate (one likely the same as previous day), a different definitive basic, the same 3rd year bird, and a different 2nd/3rd basic. On 29 Oct: 7 birds, including three adults that may have been some of the same seen previously, three 2nd alternate/3rd basic (one potentially the same as 28 Oct), and possibly the same 3rd alternate/4th basic. The two specimens were previously reviewed (Dittmann et al. 1998): LSUMZ 162189 (LBRC record no. 1995-165; female molting to definitive basic plumage) and LSUMZ 162188 (LBRC record no. 1995-164; male in 2nd basic plumage). This and the preceding record, LBRC record no. 1995-168, were included in NASFN50(1):67: "Outstanding numbers of Lesser Black-backed Gulls continue to occur in Louisiana. In Cameron, 15-20 were recorded this autumn beginning Aug. 27, with most at Rutherford Beach Oct. 27-29."
One in definitive basic plumage (1995-159) on 2 Dec. 1995, Cameron: Holly Beach, Phillip A. Wallace (ph) (FN 50(2):180; LOS 171).
One in definitive basic plumage (1995-161) on 3 Dec 1995, Cameron: Rutherford Beach; Phillip A. Wallace. A second bird reported at the same location the same day was not considered acceptable.
One in definitive basic plumage (1995-160) on 16 Dec 1995, Cameron: Holly Beach; Phillip A. Wallace.
One in definitive alternate plumage (1996-23) on 5 Apr. 1996, Lafourche: Fourchon Beach; Phillip A. Wallace (ph).
One male in first basic plumage (1996-71) on 28 Apr. 1996, Cameron: 3 mi. W of old mouth Mermentau River (Rutherford Beach); Steven W. Cardiff (LSUMZ 162251) and Donna L. Dittmann (*).
One in definitive alternate plumage (1996-24) on 27 Apr. 1996, Cameron: Rutherford Beach; Phillip A. Wallace (ph) and B. Mac Myers III (ph). This and the two preceding records are referred to in FN 50 (3):292 and LOS 174.
One (1996-28), in third alternate plumage, on 20 Apr 1996, Cameron: 1.5 mi. W of [town of] Holly Beach; Laurence C. Binford and Matt Pontiff. Included in "up to 7�found in Louisiana" during spring 1996 in NASFN 50(3): 292,and "�possibly as many as 8�" in LOS News 174: 8. This species was removed from the Review List on 7 Sep 1996 (Dittmann et al. 1998). By that time, the species was well established as a regular fall migrant, with most records falling between late Sep-early Dec. Numbers of spring migrants vary from year to year, but, in general, the species is a much less numerous spring migrant. A few birds are recorded each year during the winter and summer months. The majority of accepted records are from coastal Cameron Parish.
One subadult/third-summer (1987-032) on 21 June 1987, Lafourche: Fourchon Beach. This species is now regular almost year-round, but at the time of this observation there were still few well-documented summer occurrences. The description was rudimentary, the reporting observer was uncertain of the bird�s age, and was not 100% confident of the identification. These deficiencies resulted in a majority of Members voting to not accept this report.
One adult (1987-22) on 25 Oct. 1987, Cameron: W. end of Peveto Beach. This record went three circulations without a deciding vote, which necessitated a "Discussion Vote" at an annual meeting. Although Lesser Black -backed Gull has become more regular in Louisiana, there were still few accepted records at the time of the observation and through the period of initial circulations of this record. Some Members were concerned with the circumstances of the observation, particularly the distant viewing conditions. The outcome of the discussion vote considered the record "unaccepted."
One in 2nd basic plumage (1988-78) on 6 Jan 1988, Orleans: New Orleans lakefront at Seabrook Bridge. Although quite possibly correctly identified, details were not considered convincing enough to support identification of this species and eliminate similar species or hybrids.
One third year (1988-018) on 8 October 1988, Lafourche: Fourchon Beach. This record went to a Discussion Round vote. Following a brief discussion focusing on the conflicting characters and age reported, all Members believed this record did not rise to the threshold for acceptance.
One (1988-026) on 26 December 1988, Orleans: New Orleans, Lake Pontchartrain, South Shore Marina. All Members agreed that the scanty details submitted on a 3 x 5 card by only one of the four observers did not warrant acceptance of this potential eighth state occurrence and first for the New Orleans CBC.
One third winter (1988-125) on 28 December 1988, Plaquemines: Mississippi River at Fort Jackson (ABF card-only). This record went to a third circulation. Details on the card were suggestive of this species but because white-out was used to amend the description at some later date a majority voted not to accept.
One (1990-8) on 13 Jan. 1990, Lafourche: on an interior lagoon at Fourchon Beach (AB 44(2):282). Leg and iris colors were not noted in the description. This information is necessary to properly identify this species and eliminate all other species and potential hybrids.
One in 1st basic plumage (1993-95) on 27 Jun 1993, Lafourche: Fourchon Beach. This record was originally combined with (1993-45; see accepted records above), involving two individuals. One individual was accepted following the first circulation but the second bird received split votes through three circulations. At the final fourth circulation Discussion, the Committee agreed that the description was very brief and was not adequate to determine the bird�s age, although a few members remained convinced that the identification was correct because of the reporter�s field skills. Ultimately, the record was not accepted.
One in 2nd basic plumage (1993-54) on 20 Nov 1993, Cameron: Rutherford Beach, 3 mi. W of beach community. This record received a mixed vote on the third circulation. Dissenting members believed that the bird was probably correctly identified, but the description relied mainly on size and mantle color as characters and these alone were insufficient to eliminate other species.
One in 1st basic plumage (1994-18) on 23 Apr 1994, Cameron: Rutherford Beach. The description did not convincingly eliminate a Herring Gull.
One adult in breeding plumage (1994-077) on 28 November 1994, Cameron: Holly Beach. Most Members believed that the identification was likely correct, but the description lacked information on proportions, iris color, wing tip and tail pattern, and especially, mantle shade. Without these critical details, the record was determined to be unacceptable.
One adult (1995-132) on 14 January 1995, Jefferson: landfill on Hwy. 90 near St. Charles Parish line (ABF card-only). Most Members did not believe details provided on the card were adequate to support identification and eliminate other species.
Four, two adults, one subadult, and one immature (1995-104), on 28 October 1995, Cameron: Rutherford Beach. This report included a very brief description of the adult birds but no description of the non-adults. During a Discussion Vote, all Members agreed to merge the two adults with a previously accepted record (LBRC 1995-085), which included several birds well documented during an LOS weekend. Members also agreed to not accept the non-adults because they were not described.
One first winter (1995-099) on 26 November 1995, Orleans: New Orleans, Seabrook Bridge (ph). All Members agreed that the photos did not support identification of this species.
One adult in definitive non-breeding plumage (1995-158) on 19 December 1995, East Baton Rouge: Baton Rouge, LSU Ben Hur Farm, E. side of Ben Hur Rd. between Nicholson Dr. and River Rd. Whereas the identification may likely have been correct, the observer was generally inexperienced with gull identification, the description was relatively superficial, and there were no photos. Also, this would have represented a first occurrence for the Baton Rouge area. Ultimately, the report went to a Discussion Vote and these concerns were enough to result in non-acceptance. This species was removed from the Review List on 7 September 1996.
One about one year old (1996-042) on 23 June 1996, Cameron: Broussard Beach. Documentation included a brief description and several poor-quality photographs. The record went three circulations before a deciding Fourth Circulation discussion vote. Members briefly reviewed the report and photographs. The Committee generally agreed that the details and photos were suggestive of a first alternate Lesser Black-backed, but several Members ultimately could not be convinced that a Herring Gull or some hybrid combinations could be decisively eliminated from consideration. The record was not accepted 6-3.