ML645960875

Observation details

Right after the sign where you turn left to go to the Grotto rather than continuing on McKittrick Trail, there's a small curve that then parallels the stream headed to the Grotto. David was walking in front of me and abruptly stopped and said what is that. I saw a small dark gray bird bob then it flushed making a sharp call dropping maybe 10 yards from where it originally flushed on the stream in the reeds. I wasn't able to get a photo so I dropped down into the creek to try to document this rare bird. It flushed a couple of times and I secured a poor but diagnostic shot and stopped pursing the bird. I rejoined David on the path and went to the Grotto and hunter line shack. Hung out in that area for a few hours but never refound. Please Note: the canyon & creek north of Hunter's Cabin is off limits to the public as it is a "sensitive area closed to public" Sighting occurred roughly ~9:30am