ML128211531

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

**Very rare. Darkish juvenile, first noticed as it flew low over Bunker Pond @ 2:52pm. Showed very nicely and at close range for a couple minutes, then eventually drifted off with 3 LAGUs toward the sw. and disappeared beyond St. Mary's. Many observers, many photos. A fairly easy ID even without optics, given the bird's distance (~40ft) and direct comparison to LAGU. Fairly uniform cold gray throughout, with paler nape. A relatively dainty and slender bird; proportionate body with long and narrow-based wings, and light/buoyant flight style. Small bill that was also thin and distinctly two-toned; 2 prominently white outermost primary shafts; secondaries noticeably darker than adjacent coverts; narrow/white edging throughout much of upperparts; strongly barred undertail coverts and rear flanks; obvious extension of central tail feathers. Appeared to be hawking insects for a brief time, circling over the marsh with LAGUs that were engaged in that behavior. Would expect Parasitic Jaeger to appear bulkier, with a "smaller"-looking head and warmer brown tones overall. In direct comparison to LAGUs, this bird was slightly slimmer and smaller. Photos:

Technical information

Model

Canon EOS 7D

Lens

EF400mm f/5.6L USM

ISO

500

Focal length

400 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire, auto

f-stop

f/6.3

Shutter speed

1/2000 sec

Dimensions

1421 pixels x 888 pixels

Original file size

472.92 KB