LOUISIANA BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE

REPORT FORM

     This form is intended as a convenience in reporting observations of species on the Louisiana Bird Records Committee (LBRC) Review List. The LBRC recommends the use of this form or a similar format when submitting records for review (to assure that all pertinent information is accounted for). Attach additional pages as necessary. Please print or type. Attach xerox of field notes, drawings, photographs, or tape recordings, if available. Include all photos for more obscurely marked species. When completed, mail to Secretary, Louisiana Bird Records Committee, c/o Museum of Natural Science, 119 Foster Hall, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803-3216.

1. English and Scientific names: Vaux’s Swift – Chaetura vauxi

2. Number of individuals, sexes, ages, general plumage (e.g., 2 in alternate plumage): unknown # of individuals; minimum 6

3. Locality: LOUISIANA: (parish) East Baton Rouge

Specific Locality: Capitol Park and Spanish Town in vicinity of 770 Lakeland Dr.

4. Date(s) when observed: observed on multiple dates between 2 March and 13 April 2011

5. Time(s) of day when observed: sunrise to early afternoon

6. Reporting observer and address: Brian O’Shea, 770 Lakeland Dr., BR LA 70802

7. Other observers accompanying reporter who also identified the bird(s): none

8. Other observers who independently identified the bird(s): none

9. Light conditions (position of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount of light): birds were usually observed on clear days

10. Optical equipment (type, power, condition): Binoculars (Swarovski 10x42), good condition, but ID was primarily by voice

11. Distance to bird(s): Directly overhead, treetop level to roughly 100’

12. Duration of observation:

13. Habitat: Airspace over residential area and open water (Capitol Lakes)

14. Behavior of bird / circumstances of observation (flying, feeding, resting; include and stress habits used in identification; relate events surrounding observation): Birds were flying around, calling, occasionally observed doing courtship flights. Tended to show up for several minutes then disappear. Intervals between observations ranged from less than one day to almost two weeks. Most observations were during the first half of March.

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): Typical Chaetura swifts, with dark bodies and contrasting paler throat and rump, stiff wings, aerial habits. Differed from Chimney Swift in slightly smaller size, slender build, and more “twinkling” flight. Birds seen in April could be compared directly to Chimney Swifts to verify this impression.

16. Voice: Higher-pitched and more trilled than Chimney Swift, including diagnostic “tee-tee-zreeee-zreeee” call of Vaux’s, latter two notes descending and strongly trilled. Birds were often first detected by this call.

17. Similar species (include how they were eliminated by your observation): See #15 and 16 above.

18. Photographs or tape recordings obtained? (by whom? attached?): No documentation was obtained.

19. Previous experience with this species: For five years I lived in Oregon, where Vaux’s is the only regularly occurring Chaetura and is quite common.

20. Identification aids: (list books, illustrations, other birders, etc. used in identification): none

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a. at time of observation:

b. after observation:

21. This description is written from: _____ notes made during the observation (_____notes attached?);_____notes made after the observation (date:_____); ____X_memory.

22. Are you positive of your identification if not, explain: 100% certain of ID

23. Signature of reporter:

__Date: 24 May 2011_Time:11:30 AM

24. May the LBRC have permission to display this report or
portions of this report on its webite? yes

If yes, may we include your name with the report? yes

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