LOUISIANA BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE
REPORT FORM
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1. English and Scientific names: Cassin’s Sparrow (Aimophila cassinii) |
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2. Number of individuals, sexes, ages, general plumage
(e.g., 2 in alternate plumage): 2 presumed
adult males |
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3. Locality: LOUISIANA: (parish) Bossier |
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Specific Locality: Cane’s
Landing off W. Colquitt Dr./Bass Pro Dr., Bossier City |
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4. Date(s) when observed: 14 May 2011 |
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5. Time(s) of day when observed: 11:00 AM thru 1:00 PM CDT |
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6. Reporting observer and address: Justin Bosler 1300 Laban Ave.,
Apt. 165 Houma, LA 70363 |
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7. Other observers accompanying reporter who also identified
the bird(s): Devin Bosler, Terry
Davis |
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8. Other observers who independently identified the
bird(s): Jeff Trahan, Rosemary
Seidler, Dave Patton, Paul Conover, Nancy Newfield, John Sevenair, m.ob. |
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9. Light conditions (position of bird in relation to shade
and to direction and amount of light): Bright
overcast sky providing plenty of light. No glare or backlighting. |
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10. Optical equipment (type, power, condition): Nikon EDG 8x42 binocular (good condition) |
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11. Distance to bird(s): within 10-15 meters at closest observation. |
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12. Duration of observation: solid 30 minutes of watching, listening and photographing. |
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13. Habitat: Riparian
corridor on Red River, mature cottonwood-sycamore-boxelder-mulberry batture
woods with dogwood-elderberry understory, regenerating willow thickets
scattered throughout open goldenrod-ragweed-thistle cutover and sandpit with
riprap/debris, and adjacent open short-grass field. |
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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): Both
males perched up and singing rather vigorously, though original male singing
plus skylarking on territory at ragweed patch at base of hillside/ sandpit.
Second male counter-singing at ~100 m to E. |
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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): An overall drab
gray-brown sparrow with grayish mantle, dark-centered rufous scapulars with
gray edging, buffy-gray wash throughout underparts with faint dark streaking
limited to flanks, and relatively long tail. Dull yellow lores and
rufous-brown postocular patch on otherwise nondescript face. Supercilium
gray. Crown finely stipled. Pale throat framed by thin, dark submoustachial
stripes. Dull yellow alula feathers. Fairly large, silvery bill. Legs fleshy
pink. |
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16. Voice: Unmistakable
song with loud, sweet trill followed by two descending whistles. Song also
given in skylarking flight. |
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17. Similar species (include how they were eliminated by
your observation): Both Bachman’s and
Botteri’s Sparrows were easily eliminated by voice. |
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18. Photographs or tape recordings obtained? (by whom?
attached?): Yes, photos by Justin
Bosler and attached. |
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19. Previous experience with this species: Fair amount of experience throughout its
typical range in Texas. |
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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: None |
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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: 15 May 2011); __X___memory. |
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22. Are you positive of your identification if not,
explain: |
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23. Signature of reporter:
Justin Bosler Date:
8 July 2011 Time: 10:00 PM CDT |
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24. May the LBRC have permission to display this report or
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If yes, may we include your name with the report? Yes |
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