English and Scientific names:	Cave Swallow (Petrochelidon fulva)
Number of individuals:	One
Locality: LOUISIANA:	Cameron
Specific Locality:	Old Ferry Rd. off LA-27 just S of Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, Gibbstown.
Date(s) when observed:	5 January 2010
Time(s) of day when observed:	3:00 PM CST
Reporting observer and address:	Justin Bosler Lancaster, PA 17601
Other observers accompanying reporter who also identified the bird(s):	Devin Bosler
Other observers who independently identified the bird(s)	None
Light conditions (position of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount of light):	Excellent afternoon light conditions with direct sunlight on subject. No glare or backlighting issues.
Optical equipment:	Nikon EDG 8x42 binocular (new) and Zeiss Victory FL 8x42 binocular (good).
Distance to bird(s):	within 20-25 meters.
Duration of observation:	on and off over 15-minute period.
Habitat:	Freshwater marsh just south of Intracoastal Waterway, containing cattails, bulrushes, and Phragmites, among other aquatic plants.
Behavior of bird:	Foraging in flight with several Tree Swallows low over freshwater marsh on east side of LA-27
Description:	Compact, square-tailed swallow with rufous-orange rump, dark bluish back with distinct longitudinal white streaks, dark brown wings, and pale orange-buff collar separating dark bluish back and dark cap. Cheeks, sides of neck, and throat were orange-buff and contrasted markedly with dark rusty forehead patch and whitish belly. Sides were tinged grayish. Undertail coverts with dusky/dark brown centers. Presumed P. f. pelodoma based on size, relative paleness of orange cheeks and throat, lack of throat/upper breast color bleeding onto sides, and date of occurrence.
Voice:	No voice heard.
Similar species:	Cliff Swallow (CLSW) eliminated by orange-buff cheeks, sides of neck, and throat in combination with dark rusty forehead patch. Melanogaster CLSW with cheeks and throat similar to nominate (dark rufous and blackish, respectively), but with rusty or dark rufous forehead. Other swallow spp. easily eliminated by structure, plumage coloration, and flight style. Hybrid Cave x Barn ruled out by relatively short, squared tail and typical Cave plumage.
Photographs or tape recordings obtained?	Unfortunately no photos were obtained.
Previous experience with this species:	Observed on numerous occasions in TX and s. LA, twice in n. NJ, and once in se. PA.
Identification aids:	None
This description is written from:	notes made during the observation and memory.
Are you positive of your identification? If not, explain:	Yes, 100% positive.
Date and time:	9 February 2010