ML313041541

觀察細節

transcribed field notes from my 7 Sept 1981 journal entry: "bird was first seen 10:15 am 300+ meters away in a marshy bay-edge. it was standing in the water (probably 6 inches to 1 foot depth) on the far side of a grassy island on the bay's edge. surrounding birds were many GBHs, Great Egrets, 15-20 spoonbills, and other species. it remained hidden, crouched low, occasionally poking its head above the grass. the bill was massive! eventually it walked to near the end of the grassy island and preened its chest and back awhile. before too long, it walked into the open where it preened more, occasionally fed from the water (bill picking things up, or slinging around, *NO CLASSICAL WAVING OF THE BILL). At one time, it waved its head around with bill agape in the air (above the bird's back), apparently snapping dragonflies out of the air. it did this for several minutes. we watched it an hour or more, from 200-300 meters distance with 10x50 binocs and 30x scope. it raised wings 2-3 times, primaries "perfectly" formed (undamaged) to even tips." This bird was the 5th accepted record for Texas (TBRC 1981-6), present 6-18 Sept 1981.