LOUISIANA BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE

REPORT FORM

PHOTOS BELOW

     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.

1. English and Scientific names: Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia

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

3. Locality: Parish:   Jefferson _________________________

   Specific Locality: Grand Isle near the southeastern end of the Caminada Bay bridge_

4. Date(s) when observed: 29 December 2011

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5. Time(s) of day when observed: approx. 8:30 am and again at about 1:00 pm

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6. Reporting observer and address: Christopher G. Brantley, 162 Elm St., Mandeville, LA 70448; cell (985) 237-5399

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7. Other observers accompanying reporter who also identified the bird(s): Heydi Lopes

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8. Other observers who independently identified the bird(s): Presumed to be same bird first sighted by Justin and Devin Bosler on 21 December 2011 and seen by several other observers that day.

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9. Light conditions (position of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount of light): Light conditions good, no shade, sun angle from back.

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10. Optical equipment (type, power, condition): B&L Elite 10x42 binoculars

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11. Distance to bird(s): approx. 50 - 100 feet

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12. Duration of observation: approx. 10-15 minutes in morning and 1-2 minutes again that afternoon

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13. Habitat: Mostly open bare area with large chunks of broken concrete and rubble.  Bird was seeking shelter and resting among the concrete.

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14. Behavior of bird / circumstances of observation (flying, feeding, resting; include and stress habits used in identification; relate events surrounding observation): Bird was initially observed by Heydi Lopes perched on concrete and rubble pile in an empty open area just to the southeast of the Caminada Bay bridge.  Bird flew to other areas of this pile and occasionally hid from view among the broken pieces of concrete.  Photos were taken by Heydi Lopes and are included as part of this report.

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15. 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): Relatively small owl with long legs, rounded headed and no ear tufts.  Irises yellow, white throat and white band above eyes on forehead.

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16. Voice: None noted

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17. Similar species (include how they were eliminated by your observation): Other North American owls eliminated on basis of overall size, long legs, white throat and lack of ear tufts.

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18. Photographs or tape recordings obtained? (by whom? attached?): Photos by Heydi Lopes and included with this report

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19. Previous experience with this species: Observed several times on Grand Isle in 1980s, in southwestern Louisiana in 1990s and more recently on the 2007 Grand Isle CBC.

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20. Identification aids: (list books, illustrations, other birders, etc. used in identification):

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a. at time of observation: Sibley Guide to Birds

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b. after observation: none

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21. This description is written from: _____ notes made during the observation (_____notes attached?);__X___notes made after the observation (date:_29 December 2011_); __X___memory.

22. Are you positive of your identification if not, explain: Yes

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23. Date: 19 March 2012  Time: 8:00 pm

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24. May the LBRC have permission to display this report or
portions of this report on its website? Yes

If yes, may we include your name with the report? Yes