ML645914759

Observation details

Continuing rarity. Flew in with 7 sandhills shortly after 3pm. I had just stopped my earlier checklist and started a new one. Total of 4 hours on stakeout since I just missed it when it left this morning. Wasn’t quite sure of it when the group came in overhead, but as it was landing it spread its wings out and the dark upper flight feathers were very noticeable. Then standing it is obviously taller, with black cap and throat and white cheek, giving a different impression from the Sandhills even at some distance. Body somewhat paler than the nearby Sandhills (even the adults) with a bigger “bustle” of black-tipped gray feathers at the rear. Overall a stunning bird. Unfortunately forgot a memory card for my camera today so spent some time trying to get decent digiscopes and maybe got one or two.