ML104618031

Age and sex

Immature Unknown sex - X

Observation details

rare to scarce and difficult to identify but regular from late May to mid July around ocean inlets; there is considerable inter-annual variation in this species' occurrence on LI, and 2018 is shaping up as a very strong year--perhaps rivaling 2013. This individual was a very attractive and charismatic second-summer type that persisted in the beach-front loafing flocks despite much disturbance, giving numerous flight views and panting in the sun. Bill and legs dark and forecrown extensively white (though flecked throughout with black)--thus very unlike Tripper's much more adult-like bird from yesterday. Lesser coverts and primary coverts dusky; ventral plumage extensively blotched with gray; rump washed gray; outer rectrices very long for a black-billed bird, the combination imparting a distinctive and very attractive impression in flight.

Technical information

Model

Canon EOS 10D

ISO

800

Focal length

400 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire

f-stop

f/11.0

Shutter speed

1/1500 sec

Dimensions

1464 pixels x 976 pixels

Original file size

231.06 KB