LOUISIANA BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE
REPORT FORM
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1. English and Scientific names: Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus) |
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2. Number of individuals, sexes, ages, general plumage
(e.g., 2 in alternate plumage): |
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1, HY (first cycle) |
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3. Locality: Parish:
Jefferson |
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Specific
Locality: Eastern
end of Elmer’s Island on front beach, about 1.8 mi east of access road; then
flew off to west |
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4. Date(s) when observed: |
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4 December 2013 |
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5. Time(s) of day when observed: |
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6. Reporting observer and address: |
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Erik I. Johnson, Lafayette, LA
70508 |
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7. Other observers accompanying reporter who also identified
the bird(s): |
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None |
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8. Other observers who independently identified the
bird(s): |
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None |
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9. Light conditions (position of bird in relation to shade
and to direction and amount of light): |
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Mixed sun and clouds. I was looking almost due east to the
bird. Late morning winter sun creating
a little bit of glare. |
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10. Optical equipment (type, power, condition): Vortex 80mm 20-60x scope,
Swarovski 10x42 EL binoculars, Nikon D7000 SLR with 80-400 mm lens that’s out
of alignment. |
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11. Distance to bird(s): About 100 m |
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12. Duration of observation: About 10 minutes |
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13. Habitat: |
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14. Behavior of bird / circumstances of observation (flying, feeding, resting; include and stress habits used in identification; relate events surrounding observation): Loafing with mixed group of Gulls
including about a dozen Herring Gulls, two dozen Ring-billed Gulls, one
Lesser Black-backed Gull, and several Royal Terns. As I approached to get better photos, it
and the group eventually flew off out over the Gulf about 100 m offshore, and
headed W to the horizon. |
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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): Looked massive, about 10-20%
larger than the neighboring Herring Gulls, and with relatively short wing,
particularly in comparison to the Lesser Black-backed Gull. Bright bubble-gum pink bill with distinct
black tip, about ¼ of tip was black.
Legs appeared relatively pink even next to immature and adult Herring
Gulls. Eye looked dark (but not
certain), and small/beady relative to head size. All creamy white except for fine light
brown vermiculations on back, barely visible at
distance. Apparently not molting. |
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16. Voice: Not heard. |
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17. Similar species (include how they were eliminated by
your observation): Not leucistic Herring Gull by combination
of bright pink legs, position and size of eye, size, pattern
on back relative to amount of white.
Much too big to be Iceland Gull. |
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18. Photographs or tape recordings obtained? (by whom? attached?): Photographs
by Erik Johnson. |
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19. Previous experience with this species: Seen only twice before, once well. |
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20. Identification aids: (list books, illustrations, other
birders, etc. used in identification): |
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a. at time of observation: Audubon
Guide App, Peterson Guide App. |
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b. after observation: Gulls of
N.A. (Howell), Peterson Field Guide to Eastern Birds, Sibley Guide to N.A. |
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21. This description is written from: _____ notes made
during the observation (_____notes attached?);__X__notes made after the
observation (date: 4 Dec 2013); __X__memory. |
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22. Are you positive of your identification if not,
explain: |
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23. Date: 5 December 2013 Time: 10:55am |
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24. May the LBRC have permission to display this report or
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If yes, may we include your name with the report? Yes |
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