ML34447131

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

Great find by Tony Metcalf late yesterday and then refound about 10:15 this morning after intense searching by a dedicated group of birders. I was able to slip away from work for the 45 minute drive each way and 30 minutes on site to enjoy this great bird. Apparently this is only the 3rd "lower 48" record of a juvenile RNST and it is the first Riverside County record. Overall it stood out of the flock of WESA and LESA as a paler bird with black legs and obviously shorter bill. The cap was pale and supercilium less defined than a SESA. Dark line through loves. The bold brownish scapulars were nicely edged and definitely presented a noticeable contrast to the plain wing coverts. Primaries were long giving the bird an overall more sleek appearance. Breast showed fairly smooth drab wash without streaking contrasting with white belly and chin. It preened during the first part of the visit. Later flushed with the flocks of peeps and then when refound was more actively feeding. However, this movement made photos more difficult as it was often behind vegetation or sticks. Sun was bright and almost directly overhead giving my photos a grayer appearance than those from late afternoon yesterday. This is a milestone bird for me in the final countdown of 5 birds to ABA 700. RNST is ABA #696 and surprising in being found so close to home rather than a longer drive to some coastal location!

Technical information

Model

Canon PowerShot SX50 HS

ISO

200

Focal length

215 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire, auto

f-stop

f/6.5

Shutter speed

1/500 sec

Dimensions

1186 pixels x 828 pixels

Original file size

467.56 KB