|
English
and Scientific names: |
Cave Swallow, Petrochelidon
fulva
|
|
Number
of individuals: |
Four, Adults |
|
Locality:
LOUISIANA: |
Calcasieu |
|
Specific
Locality: |
Around two small bridges. One bridge on Gum Island Road. The other immediately adjacent to that bridge. Location - Exit I-10 at Exit 8 near Vinton, LA. Travel approximately a mile SE and take First left - Gum Island Road - and travel to bridge, about half a mile. |
|
Date(s)
when observed: |
May 15, 2009 |
|
Time(s)
of day when observed: |
Approximately 4:00 PM CDST |
|
Reporting
observer and address: |
Jay V. Huner |
|
Other observers
accompanying reporter who also identified the bird(s): |
None |
|
Other observers who
independently identified the bird(s) |
1. Tom Finnie and 2. Sue Broussard |
|
Light conditions
(position of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount of light): |
Light clouds, no shade, birds flying at ground level to 100' above ground. |
|
Optical
equipment: |
10 x 40 Zeiss Binoculars |
|
Distance
to bird(s): |
10-200 feet |
|
Duration
of observation: |
Watched birds feeding over road for about 10 minutes. |
|
Habitat:
|
Riparian area with low brush through pastures. |
|
Behavior
of bird: |
Mixed flock of 35-40 swallows, mostly Barn Swallows. Parked next to bridge and within 5 minutes was surrounded by feeding swallows as close as 10' and at eye level at times. |
|
Description: |
Square-tailed swallows with light rumps, light tawny napes and throats. Forehad patches were tawny as well. Backs bluish black. |
|
Voice: |
Jumble of twittering swallow notes, most obviously from Barn Swallows. |
|
Similar species: |
The similar species would be Cliff Swallow which has bright white forehead and dark reddish throat. The birds I saw were not only consistent with field guides for Cave Swallows but also images posted by Tom Finnie. |
|
Photographs or tape
recordings obtained? |
None - This is effort to document previous reports in the month by Tom Finnie and Sue Broussard. |
|
Previous experience with
this species: |
I have seen Cave Swallows on three occasions in Louisiana and once in the Miami, FL area. |
|
Identification
aids: |
National Geographic Field Guide, Sibley's Field Guide |
|
This
description is written from: |
Notes at time and memory. |
|
Are you positive of your
identification? If not, explain: |
Yes. |
|
Reporter:
|
Jay V. Huner
|
|
Date
and time: |
23 July 2009, 5:15 PM |