English and Scientific names:	Sage Thrasher (Oreoscoptes montanus)
Number of individuals:	One in fresh basic, age/sex unknown (though presumed adult on basis of plumage characteristics, i.e. extent and darkness of streaking on underparts)
Locality: LOUISIANA:	Cameron Parish
Specific Locality:	Blue Goose Trail parking area off LA-27 nr. Sabine NWR Business Office bldg. (former hdqtrs.)
Date(s) when observed:	23 October 2010
Time(s) of day when observed:	~1:45 – 2:30 PM CDT
Reporting observer and address:	Devin Bosler Lancaster, PA 17601
Other observers accompanying reporter who also identified the bird(s):	none
Other observers who independently identified the bird(s)	Robby Bacon (originally discovered on 22 Oct), Matt and Gary Pontiff, m. ob.
Light conditions (position of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount of light):	Clear sky with optimal midday/early PM sunlight. Sun angle relatively high and behind observer. Backlighting and sun glare not a factor.
Optical equipment:	Zeiss Victory FL 8x42, Kowa TSN 881 Angled 88mm scope w/ 20-60x optical zoom, Canon Powershot SD1100 IS digital camera (equipment in excellent condition)
Distance to bird(s):	ca. 8-10 meters
Duration of observation:	~45 min.
Habitat:	Open, freshwater and saline marshes with small, isolated chenier ridges of hackberry-elderberry-baccharis scrub.
Behavior of bird:	Actively foraging, running on ground in pursuit of Arthropods (no fruit consumed during encounter). Perching up on human-built structures, i.e. wooden railings, gazebo, paved parking lot and walkway. Observed at rest and in flight.
Description:	A relatively small, heavily-marked and distinctive thrasher. Generally gray-brown on upperparts with subtle dark streaking on mantle. Pale, heavily streaked underparts with buffy wash on breast and flanks. Cleaner white vent and undertail coverts. Thin, white tips to median and greater upperwing coverts imparting distinct wingbars. Dark malar stripe and finer dark streaking on throat. Brownish auriculars. Long, grayish tail with white corners. Relatively small, straight bill entirely dark except for pale buff base to lower mandible. Pale light amber irides. Dull gray legs and feet.
Voice:	Silent.
Similar species:	No other similar species. Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) superficially similar in structure/behavior but larger and unmarked below (juveniles marked below but not present in fall).
Photographs or tape recordings obtained?	Digiscoped photos obtained by Devin Bosler. Yes, photos attached.
Previous experience with this species:	Prior experience with individuals on breeding grounds in ID, MT, and n. NM.
Identification aids:	National Geographic Complete Birds of N.A. (Alderfer et al. 2005).
This description is written from:	notes made during the observation, notes made after the observation, memory.
Are you positive of your identification? If not, explain:	Yes
Date and time:	2 November 2010 Time: 8:30 PM CDT