LOUISIANA BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE

REPORT FORM

     

1. English and Scientific names: Say’s Phoebe, Sayornis saya

2. Number of individuals, sexes, ages, general plumage (e.g., 2 in alternate plumage): 1 sex and age unknown, but possibly a returnee from previous winter  

http://www.losbird.org/lbrc/dot_clear.gif

3. Locality: Parish:  Calcasieu

   Specific Locality:  Ranch at NW quadrant of intersection of Highway 14 and Harris Road, ca. 2 miles W of Bell City

4. Date(s) when observed:  10/20/2014 through 12/01/2014. 

http://www.losbird.org/lbrc/dot_clear.gif

5. Time(s) of day when observed:  many

http://www.losbird.org/lbrc/dot_clear.gif

6. Reporting observer and address:  Paul Conover, Lafayette LA 70506

http://www.losbird.org/lbrc/dot_clear.gif

7. Other observers accompanying reporter who also identified the bird(s):  Mac Myers, various members of YRARF tour group. 

http://www.losbird.org/lbrc/dot_clear.gif

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

http://www.losbird.org/lbrc/dot_clear.gif

9. Light conditions (position of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount of light):  Variety of light conditions, all good. 

http://www.losbird.org/lbrc/dot_clear.gif

10. Optical equipment (type, power, condition):  Zeiss 10s, Nikon Fieldscope 20-60X, various cameras. 

http://www.losbird.org/lbrc/dot_clear.gif

11. Distance to bird(s):  on different days, different distances.  Initially very distant, but during later sightings within 30 yards.   

http://www.losbird.org/lbrc/dot_clear.gif

12. Duration of observation:  probably 45 minutes combined

http://www.losbird.org/lbrc/dot_clear.gif

13. Habitat:  Open ranchland, lots of fencerows, farm equipment.  The bird was first spotted this season working near a haystack.  

http://www.losbird.org/lbrc/dot_clear.gif

14. Behavior of bird / circumstances of observation (flying, feeding, resting; include and stress habits used in identification; relate events surrounding observation):  Generally pouncing from perches to ground in pursuit of prey. 

http://www.losbird.org/lbrc/dot_clear.gif

15. Description:  A medium-sized flycatcher, slightly larger than Eastern Phoebe.  Peach hue to belly, ashy throat and breast, dark brown cap and tail contrasting with paler, dusty brown mantle.  Weak pale wingbars.

 

Graceful in flight, hovering effortlessly in place, then plunging to ground.  Direct flight somewhat more like kingbird than phoebe.  Tail flashed often.    

 

    

http://www.losbird.org/lbrc/dot_clear.gif

16. Voice:  Not noted. 

http://www.losbird.org/lbrc/dot_clear.gif

17. Similar species:  Female and young male Vermilion Flycatchers similar, but different in color throughout. 

http://www.losbird.org/lbrc/dot_clear.gif

18. Photographs or tape recordings obtained?

Yes, not great but sufficient on at least two dates, 10/20 and 12/01

http://www.losbird.org/lbrc/dot_clear.gif

19. Previous experience with this species:  Pretty extensive, and given the conspicuous nature of the bird, useful in observing and learning typical  behavior. 

 

http://www.losbird.org/lbrc/dot_clear.gif

http://www.losbird.org/lbrc/dot_clear.gif

21. This description is written from: memory, photos.  I believe I voice recorded notes, but they weren’t essential in writing this report up. 

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

http://www.losbird.org/lbrc/dot_clear.gif

23. Date: 2/16//2014

http://www.losbird.org/lbrc/dot_clear.gif