LOUISIANA BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE

REPORT FORM

     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: Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus

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

3. Locality: LOUISIANA: (parish) Cameron____________________________________________

Specific Locality: ___RV park at E. Jetty, town of Cameron; flats east of observation tower______________________________________________________

4. Date(s) when observed: 23 May 2010

5. Time(s) of day when observed: late afternoon

6. Reporting observer and address:B. Mac. Myers III 641 S. 5th St. Eunice, LA 70535

7. Other observers accompanying reporter who also identified the bird(s):Paul Conover

8. Other observers who independently identified the bird(s):

9. Light conditions (position of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount of light): excellent, the sun was fairly low and behind us

10. Optical equipment (type, power, condition):10x42 Eagle, 22x60 Bushnell scope, both good condition

11. Distance to bird(s):250 yards, maybe a little more

12. Duration of observation: 20-30 minutes

13. Habitat:beach/mudflat, tides low

14. Behavior of bird / circumstances of observation (flying, feeding, resting; include and stress habits used in identification; relate events surrounding observation): standing, walking, occasionally flying, perhaps feeding (??)

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):A large gull, larger than nearby Herrings, with longer and thicker legs. It had a large blocky head, mostly white, but with slight markings near the eye; bill heavy and black, but appeared lighter (??not black anyway) at base. The underparts were white or near white, with some dotting/short barring along edge of neck and more along edge of breast. The tail was white with a black terminal band perhaps one-third the width of the tail. I found the upperparts very difficult to describe, or even to be sure what I was seeing. But they did not show the crisp “checkered” look of a typical GBBG in 1st winter plumage. They seemed “muddy” or messy to me. You can look at the photos and read Conover’s description. Even looking at the photos, it doesn’t help me. Overall the bird was not a monster GBBG, but it certainly seemed to be well within the range of size, shape, proportions. I didn’t see anything that suggested hybrid origin.

16. Voice:not heard

17. Similar species (include how they were eliminated by your observation): See description and Conover’s photos.

18. Photographs or tape recordings obtained? (by whom? attached?):photos by Conover submitted

19. Previous experience with this species:one or two almost every year in LA; many in n.e. U.S. and maritime Canada

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

a. at time of observation:

b. after observation: gull guides of Grant and of Dunn and Howell

21. This description is written from: _____ notes made during the observation (_____notes attached?);_____notes made after the observation (date:_____); __x___memory. Very brief notes at the time, and examination of Conover’s photos

22. Are you positive of your identification if not, explain:Yes, but no doubt somebody could drag up the hybrid business

23. Signature of reporter: Buford Mac. Myers III______________________________Date:10 March 2011__________Time:_4:35 pm______

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

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

 

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