LOUISIANA BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE

REPORT FORM

     

1. English and Scientific names: Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus)

2. Number of individuals, sexes, ages, general plumage (e.g., 2 in alternate plumage): 1 first cycle

3. Locality: Parish:  Orleans

   Specific Locality: Seabrook Bridge; on seawall

4. Date(s) when observed: 12 March 2013

5. Time(s) of day when observed: 11:45-12:30

6. Reporting observer and address: Phillip Wallace

                                                        

                                                         New Orleans, LA 70125

 

7. Other observers accompanying reporter who also identified the bird(s): None

8. Other observers who independently identified the bird(s): Discovered by David Muth in 2012 (November or December); reported by several other birders

9. Light conditions (position of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount of light): Good light; sun behind observer

10. Optical equipment (type, power, condition): 10x40 binoculars; 22-60x Kowa spotting scope

11. Distance to bird(s): 75-100 m

12. Duration of observation: 30 minutes

13. Habitat: Seawall at Lake Pontchartrain

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

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): Large gull, approximate size of adjacent Herring Gull; plumage essentially all white with some scattered pale coffee coloration (minimal); bright pink legs; bill long and straight with minimal gonydial angle, pinkish with black tip (distal 20%), black not as clearly demarcated as usual with 1st cycle GLGU; dark eye appeared small on white head; all white wings and tail.

16. Voice: None

17. Similar species (include how they were eliminated by your observation): Nothing in plumage indicates a leucistic Herring; bill pattern with size and plumage indicates Glaucous

18. Photographs or tape recordings obtained? (by whom? attached?): Photos by Wallace at https://www.dropbox.com/sh/kh0wc0h01n2zql9/r9_86v3gpb

19. Previous experience with this species: I’ve seen quite a few times in LA.

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

a. at time of observation: None

b. after observation: None

21. This description is written from:  X   notes made during the observation

 

22. Are you positive of your identification if not, explain: Yes

23. Date:  19 May 2013   Time: 4:30 p.m.