ML35748281

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Media notes

Note shorter wings than PFSH.

Observation details

***First Island Record*** At ~1850 hrs JRD picked up three tubenoses off North Landing, working northwest into the 20+ kt wind, about 200m outside fisherman's bay. Two were quickly ID'd as PFSH, the third immediately stuck out as flying like a Pterodroma based on its smaller size and zippier flight. Though moving at roughly the same pace as its accompanying PFSH, it was making lower arcs and weaving about twice as fast. Structurally, and in comparison to the nearby PFSH, the subject bird was much smaller headed, had a higher wing-loading, did not hold its wings as far forward, had snappier wingbeats, and had a smaller, more 'pin-like' tail (only ever seen folded). Further study showed many other good features for HAPE: the forehead and underparts, including undertail coverts, were gleaming white, with no trace of dark in the wingpits. The bird had a dark cowl that contrasted with its grayish mantle, but white on the side of the neck was extensive, appearing to intrude into the cowl. A dark 'm' pattern stood out against a brownish-gray mantle and upperwing coverts. The bird was observed for at least a total of 60 seconds before it disappeared behind sugarloaf. The mantle was not pale enough for a cookalaria type petrel or buller's shearwater. Dusky underwings were specifically looked for to rule out Galapagos petrel, but was notably absent from the bird seen. This dusky pattern showed well on the nearby PFSH seen under the same conditions, making for a good control of plumage visibility in strong light.

Technical information

Model

Canon EOS 7D

Lens

EF400mm f/5.6L USM

ISO

640

Focal length

400 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire, auto

f-stop

f/8.0

Shutter speed

1/320 sec

Dimensions

847 pixels x 565 pixels

Original file size

218.56 KB