1. English and Scientific names:

 

Black-legged Kittiwake -

 

  1. Number of individuals, sexes, ages, general plumage (e.g., 2 in alternate plumage):

 

One – First Year Bird

 

  1. Locality: LOUISIANA: (parish) (specific locality)

 

Cameron Parish – Beach around Mile 23 La 82, west of community of Holly Beach.

 

  1.  Date(s) when observed:

 

April 26, 2014.

 

  1. Time(s) of day when observed:

 

Approximately 8:55 AM CDST

 

  1. Reporting observer and address:

 

Jay V. Huner

Boyce, LA 71409

 

  1. Other observers accompanying reporter who also identified the bird(s):

 

Many – LOS bird tour – M. Floyd, C. Wright, L. Stewart, and others.

 

  1. Other observers who Independently identified the bird(s):

 

N. Newfield and K. Morgan who located the bird initially and had left the location.

 

  1. Light conditions (position of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount of light):

 

Bird was in the open on the far side of a shallow pool. No shadow issues.

 

  1. Optical equipment (type, power, condition):

 

10 x 42 Zeiss Binoculars – good condition and scope – don’t recall brand.

 

  1. Distance to bird(s):

 

Estimated approximately 75 yards.

 

  1. Duration of Observation:

 

3-4 minutes.

 

  1. Habitat:

 

Beach immediately adjacent to surf wash.

 

  1. Behavior of bird/circumstances of observations (flying, feeding, resting; including and stress habits in identification: relate events surrounding observation):

 

 

  1. 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):

 

Small compared to nearby Laughing Gulls. Distinct spot behind eye. Head otherwise off white. Small black bill. Dark primaries clearly seen. Did not see bird fly to see the distinct M-shaped black pattern on back of wings.

 

  1. Voice:

 

None.

 

  1. Similar species (include how they were eliminated by your observation):

 

 

  1. Photographs or tape recordings obtained? (by whom? Attached”):

 

None.

 

  1. Previous experience with this species:

 

I have seen Black-legged Kittiwakes in Alaska on two occasions and once in Cameron.

 

  1. Identification aids: (list books, illustrations, other birders, etc. used in identification):
  2.  
    1. at time of observation: National Geographic Field Guide and Sibley’s Field Guide
    2. after observation: Peterson’s Field Guide.

 

  1. This description is written from: ___notes made during the observation (notes attached?); ___note made after the observation (date: ______); __x__ memory.

 

Notes very limited. No real excuse.

 

  1. Are you positive of your identification? If not, explain.

 

Yes

 

  1. Signature of reporter  __signed Jay V. Huner__ date _June 15, 2011_ time 5:45 PM