1. English and Scientific names:

 

Say’s Phoebe, Sayornis saya

 

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

 

One adult bird

 

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

 

Jefferson Davis Parish, south side of W. Niblett Road approximately 100 yards west of intersection with Watkins Road.

 

  1.  Date(s) when observed:

 

November 8, 2011

 

  1. Time(s) of day when observed:

 

Approximately 11:47 AM CST.

 

  1. Reporting observer and address:

 

Jay V. Huner

Boyce, LA 71409

 

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

 

None

 

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

 

Steven Cardiff, Jeff Harris, et al.

 

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

 

Good light, cloudy with no significant shadows.

 

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

 

Zeiss 10 x 40 binoculars.

 

  1. Distance to bird(s):

Approximately 20 feet.

 

  1. Duration of Observation:

 

Approximately one minute.

 

  1. Habitat:

 

Open agricultural area adjacent to rice field water supply canal across from a farm house and barn/pasture area.

 

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

 

I tried to find this staked out bird for about 20 minutes before it flew over my truck as I played my BirdJam. It came from the general direction of a pine tree SE of my location on the far side of the canal. It flew over my truck. When I got out to look for it, it was immediately east of the truck above the bare levee flying into strong south wind. It subsequently landed on a very stout Johnson grass stalk.

 

  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):

 

This was a medium-sized bird with gray back and burnt orange belly.

 

  1. Voice:

 

Bird was silent but was clearly flying toward the source of the BirdJam playback.

 

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

 

I guess the bird could resemble a Northern Mockingbird in size and gray back or an American Robin with both gray back and reddish orange breast. But, the bird simply did not resemble these two species.

 

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

 

The bird flew away shortly after landing on the Johnson grass stem. I only had time to verify identification. I chose to not continue to play the BirdJam to try to get a picture. I figured that the bird had been harassed enough by other birders and did not want to add to stress and prevent others from, perhaps, finding it.

 

  1. Previous experience with this species:

 

I have seen this species several times on trips to Arizona and California and once before in Louisiana.

 

  1. Identification aids: (list books, illustrations, other birders, etc. used in identification):
    1. at time of observation: Sibley’s Field Guide.
    2. after observation: National Geographic Field Guide.
    3.  
  2. This description is written from: _x_notes made during the observation (notes attached?); ___note made after the observation (date: ______); _____ memory.

 

Nov. 8, 2011. Say’s Phobe. Just west of Watkins Road intersection with W Nibblet Road. 11:47 AM CST. Played BirdJam and bird flew from Pine trees on S. side of irrigation canal. Came ovr my truck. Got out to see where it was. It was hovering just above levee 20’ from me to the east. It landed on a heavy Johnson Grass plant facing away from me into wind. It had hovered against strong south wind for 10-15 seconds and remained perched for about 30 seconds. Gray back burnt orange belly. Had no time to take picture. Stopped playing BirdJam to prevent needless harassment. One 1st year male Vermilion Flycatcher seen about 5 min. before. Also had 2 E. Phoebes in area. Did try to turn the VEFC into a SAPH!

 

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

 

Yes.

 

  1. Signature of reporter ___Jay V. Huner___ date_11-22-11_ time _1:00 PM_