ML127485321

Age and sex

Unknown age, Unknown sex - X

Media notes

First encounter of the day (3:38 PM). Thick set Pseudobulweria, heavy black bill clearly evident.

Observation details

3:30 pm. 5:17 pm, 5:50 pm, 6:01 pm. A total of 7 separate encounters based on time stamps of photographs. A remarkable learning experience. Initially identified as Jouanin's Petrel based on wing shape and flight manner but re-identified later that night after careful scrutiny of photos which clearly indicated Mascarene Petrel. Diagnostic features included relative length of tail coverts, bill-head proportions, feather tones on underwing etc. Details of feather wear and bill discoloration argued for a minimum of three individuals. A full write up by the team with discussion on the field separation of Mascarene and Jouanin's Petrels will be published in due course - Identification of this pair including distinctive Indian Ocean populations of Jounain's is a rather challenging prospect without quality photos.

Technical information

Model

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II

Lens

EF500mm f/4L IS II USM

ISO

500

Focal length

500 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire, auto

f-stop

f/5.0

Shutter speed

1/3200 sec

Dimensions

5000 pixels x 3864 pixels

Original file size

4.05 MB