|
English
and Scientific names: |
Black-legged
Kittiwake
(Rissa tridactyla)
|
|
Number
of individuals: |
1 (1W-1S) |
|
Locality:
LOUISIANA: |
Cameron |
|
Specific
Locality: |
On beach along LA-82, ca. 3.5 mi. W of Holly Beach (LA-27 X LA-82) |
|
Date(s)
when observed: |
20 March 2007 |
|
Time(s)
of day when observed: |
~6:00 PM CST |
|
Reporting
observer and address: |
Devin Bosler |
|
Other observers
accompanying reporter who also identified the bird(s): |
Justin Bosler, Cameron Rutt |
|
Other observers who
independently identified the bird(s) |
Justin Bosler, Cameron Rutt |
|
Light conditions
(position of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount of light): |
Overcast sky w/ sufficient PM lighting and opposite sun angle. |
|
Optical
equipment: |
Nikon Monarch 8x42, Nikon Venturer LX 8x40, Nikon Fieldscope (all in good condition) |
|
Distance
to bird(s): |
ca. 50 meters |
|
Duration
of observation: |
~30 min. |
|
Habitat:
|
beach |
|
Behavior
of bird: |
The bird was first found at rest on the beach in mixed gull/tern flock. Later, viewed in characteristic quick, bouyant flight with stiff wingbeats. |
|
Description: |
A medium-sized gull with an extensive black carpal bar (extending onto lesser coverts), medium gray mantle, a slightly cleft tail, and short dark legs. At rest, the gull appeared to stand awkwardly with body tilted up, seemingly bottom-heavy. A first-winter gull retaining solid black hind collar (neck-boa), black tail band, and diagnostic dark ear-spot (also dark smudge above the eye). A greenish-yellow bill (w/ minimal gonydeal angle) suggestive of first-summer traits. In flight, the bold black M-pattern on the upper wings was markedly visible. |
|
Voice: |
N/A |
|
Similar species: |
Unmistakable in this plumage, slightly smaller than Ring-billed Gull and noticeably larger than Bonaparte's Gull. |
|
Photographs or tape
recordings obtained? |
Yes, by Devin Bosler |
|
Previous experience with
this species: |
Familiar with this species from frequent trips to MA. |
|
Identification
aids: |
Gulls of North America, Europe, and Asia by Klaus Malling
Olsen and Hans Larsson |
|
This
description is written from: |
notes taken at time of observation and memory |
|
Are you positive of your
identification? If not, explain: |
yes |
|
Reporter:
|
Devin Bosler
|
|
Date
and time: |
24 March 2007, 2230h |