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English and Scientific names: |
Cave Swallow, Petrochelidon fulva
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Number of individuals: |
One, Adult Plumage |
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Locality: LOUISIANA: |
Vermilion |
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Specific Locality: |
Agnes Plantation Road approximately half a mile east of its intersection with LA 82. Bird was flying in a very large flock of Tree Swallows feeding over and around a crawfish pond. |
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Date(s) when observed: |
11 April 2007 |
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Time(s) of day when
observed: |
Approximately 7:45 AM
CDST. |
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Reporting observer and address: |
Jay V. Huner, Boyce, Louisiana |
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Other observers accompanying reporter who
also identified the bird(s): |
None |
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Other
observers who independently identified the bird(s): |
None |
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Light
conditions (position of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount
of light): |
Good morning light.
Bird was flying to the west. Overcast conditions reduced light/dark contrast
associated with bright sunshine. |
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Optical equipment: |
10 x 40 Zeiss BT
Binoculars |
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Distance to
bird(s): |
About 30 yards |
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Duration of
observation: |
About a minute. |
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Habitat: |
Crawfish Pond. |
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Behavior of bird: |
Bird was flying and feeding with a large flock of Tree Swallows. Was surveying birds in the area and stopped to see what kind of swallows were working the pond. Noted tawny upper tail and tawny throat. |
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Description: |
Bird was approximately the size of the Tree Swallows with which it was flying. Seemed bulkier than the Tree Swallows. Noted the buff upper tail and tawny throat. |
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Voice: |
Silent. |
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Similar
species: |
Other species possible was Cliff Swallow. Surveys for the past few years have turned up few Cliff Swallows. Michael J. Musumeche picked up a Cave Swallow in the area the week prior to my observation. Found several hundred Tree Swallows in the survey area and 50+ Barn Swallows during the morning. Did not find anything else that resembled Cave or Cliff Swallows. The tawny throat and upper tail were the features I used to distinguish the bird from Cliff Swallow. |
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Photographs
or tape recordings obtained? |
None. |
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Previous
experience with this species: |
Limited to a few observations - Cameron Parish. |
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Identification aids: |
at time of
observation: Sibley's Field Guide. |
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This description is written from: |
Notes taken at time of observation and memory. |
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Are
you positive of your identification? If not, explain: |
One can NEVER be absolutely positive about any identification of a bird that is flying and not observed for an extended period of time. I'd say I am 90% sure of my identification. But, I could be wrong. |
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Reporter: |
Jay V. Huner
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Date and time: |
9:15 AM, May 8, 2007 |