1. English and Scientific names:

 

Great Kiskadee, Pitangus sulphuratus

 

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

 

Two, apparent mated pair.

 

  1. Locality: LOUISIANA: (parish) (specific locality)

 

Vermilion, White Lake Management Area, White Lake Lodge

 

  1. Date(s) when observed:

 

April 7, 2011

 

  1. Time(s) of day when observed:

 

Off and on from approximately 9:45 AM CDST – 2:30 PM CDST

 

  1. Reporting observer and address:

 

Jay V. Huner

428 Hickory Hill Drive

Boyce, LA 71409

 

  1. Other observers accompanying reporter who also identified the bird(s):

 

Several including Toddy Guidry, Mac Meyers, and Alan Hohnshee

 

  1. Other observers who Independently identified the bird(s):

 

Birds present at site for apparently 3 years. See past reports.

 

  1. Light conditions (position of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount of light):

 

Light clouds during visit to location. Good light with birds seen in a number of locations.

 

  1. Optical equipment (type, power, condition):

 

Zeiss, 10 x 40 binoculars. Good Condition.

 

  1. Distance to bird(s):

Various - 20 yards to 200 yards.

 

  1. Duration of Observation:

 

Off and on from 9:45 AM CDST until 2:30 PM CDST.

 

  1. Habitat:

 

Open, man-made island in marsh with hunting/fishing lodge.Well maintained lawn. Numerous live oak trees.

 

  1. Behavior of bird/circumstances of observations (flying, feeding, resting; including and stress habits in identification: relate events surrounding observation):

 

The birds were flying, resting, and attending a nest.

 

  1. 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):

 

Resembles a smallish kingfisher. Yellow belly, brownish-rufous back. Black crown and face. White supercilium and throat.

 

  1. Voice:

 

Characteristic kiss ka dee, kiss ka dee.

 

  1. Similar speices (include how they were eliminated by your observation):

 

No similar species in region to my knowledge.

 

  1. Photographs or tape recordings obtained? (by whom? Attahced”):

 

Image of nest sent to Paul Conover. Others are supposed to have sent images of the birds. I did not get any identifiable images of the birds.

 

  1. Previous experience with this species:

 

Seen a number of times in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas. Also seen at Grand Chenier at Nunez Woods and White Lake in April 2010.

 

  1. Identification aids: (list books, illustrations, other birders, etc. used in identification):
    1. at time of observation:  National Geographic Field Guide.
    2. after observation:  Sibley’s Field Guide.
  2. This description is written from: ___notes made during the observation (notes attached?); ___note made after the observation (date: ______); __x_ memory.

 

 

  1. Are you positive of your identification? If not, explain. Yes.

 

  1. Signature of reporter __signed Jay V. Huner__ date May 21, 2011 time 9:50 AM