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.

English and Scientific names: Allen's Hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin)

Number of individuals, sexes, ages, general plumage (e.g., 2 in alternate plumage): 1 - second-year immature male

Parish: St. Tammany

Specific Locality: Backyard at 104 Penn Mill Lakes Blvd, Penn Mill Lakes Subdivision (near Lake Ramsey), Covington, LA

Date(s) when observed: initially seen 2/2/11; still present on 2/3/11

Time(s) of day when observed: Day 1: about 4:00PM; day 2: 6:58AM, then periodically throughout the day.

Reporting observer and address: Tom Trenchard, Covington, LA

Other observers accompanying reporter who also identified the bird(s): Nancy Newfield (bander), Steve Locke (bander), Joan Garvey (banding assistant), Mary Mehaffey.

Other observers who independently identified the bird(s): N/A

Light conditions (position of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount of light): Fair to very good. Bird was ID'ed in hand where overhead light was available. Initially seen outside in cloudy weather.

Optical equipment (type, power, condition): 10x42 Bushnell binocs (Tom); 8x40 Alpen (Mary); Swarovski (Nancy); other binoc types (Steve & Joan); photos taken with Sony Cybershot DSC-H50 (30x optical zoom)

Distance to bird(s): Initially, closest, about 15 feet away, furthest about 30 feet away (initially). Bird was banded on second day, so distance doesn't apply since bird was in-hand.

Duration of observation: First day since on and off over the span of about an hour and 15 minutes. Second day, bird was seen on and off from 6:58AM throughout the rest of the day. In-hand was about 15 minutes to band, measure, photograph, color-mark, etc. Color-marked green (on head).

Habitat: Residential yard with grassy area and wooded area; hummingbird feeders and seed feeders present.

Behavior of bird / circumstances of observation (flying, feeding, resting; include and stress habits used in identification; relate events surrounding observation): Bird was feeding, at rest, in flight, while not being handled. No flowers available, so bird was at feeders.

Description (include only what was actually seen, not what "should" have been seen; include if possible: Selasphorus-type hummingbird. Rufous face, most of rectrices, flanks and belly; green top of head/neck and back, partial orange gorget; a bit of white in and below the gorget area. White-tips on R3, R4 & R5; black on each rectrix toward tip. Banders present: Nancy Newfield, Steve Locke. In-hand measurements taken confirmed Allen's. Only other hummer similar is Rufous, which was ruled out based on measurements. Weight was not unusual (3.1 g).

Voice: None heard.

Similar species (include how they were eliminated by your observation): Only other hummer similar is Rufous, which was ruled out based on in-hand measurements. ID confirmed by banders Nancy Newfield and Steve Locke.

Photographs or tape recordings obtained? (by whom? attached?): Yes. Photos taken by Tom Trenchard. To be submitted separately, via email.

Previous experience with this species: Yes, I have seen Allen's on at least 4 other occasions, and in-hand once or twice previously.

Identification aids: (list books, illustrations, other birders, etc. used in identification): Banders used measurement charts and took measurements with digital caliper. Also used the Peterson Hummingbirds Gude and Sibley's (East) field guide.

This description is written from: These notes compiled on 2nd day of observation, several hours after bird was handled.

Are you positive of your identification if not, explain:

100% certain, based on expertise of banders and measurements taken.

Date/Time: 2/3/11 1:35PM