ML613362473

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

Juvenile intermediate morph jaeger species studied at length by Zach Haring, Steve & Debbie Martin, Ricky Hosteler, and myself. Several other Mennonite birders arrived throughout viewing. Digiscope photos and videos attempted. First found last night by Ricky Hostetler, Zane Hostetler, Bruce Blosser et al. Originally identified as Parasitic, and we left the location convinced of that identification; however, presence of double underwing flash is more suggestive of Pomarine. Description written after original observation: Just smaller than the Ring-billed Gulls it frequently chased and harassed. Body shape slender and uniform throughout. Color overall warm, cinnamon (not shown well in photos). Underwings showing large bright white patches at the base of the primaries. Underwing coverts showing brownish spotting, but not white. Upperwing showing outer primaries with obvious white feather rachises, and only showing white flashes occasionally in flight when primaries were spread. Undertail covert barred with black and brown, not black and white. Central retrieves not obviously extending beyond other tail feathers. Rump paler than tail. Head small, with paler nape and neck. Paler coloration around eye made the eye visible. Face darker. Bill petite and bicolor. Darker brown breast band visible. The bird was not physically aggressive toward other birds, but frequently chased gulls until they vomited. It would immediately suspend its chase, and drop to the water to feed. The bird spent most of its time around here (37.5593373, -93.6199867), often sitting on the water and making short flights. We viewed the bird from here: (37.5615494, -93.6327188), having parked near the cemetery and walked through the woods to the shore. Lighting here was great in the evening. In morning, the probably seen best from the point north of the location: (37.5663071, -93.6197256); however, parking here (37.5471030, -93.6116840) and walking northwest along the shore around the point might also produce decent looks.

Technical information

Dimensions

1122 pixels x 842 pixels

Original file size

118.48 KB