ML646565865

Observation details

Second state record and the first in a quarter of a century. Found yesterday evening by Max Epstein, fortuitously continuing today for countless birders to enjoy. Staggeringly cooperative individual, foraging in the open along the grassy fringes of the upper parking lot. Only occasionally and briefly retreated to the brush or headed downslope towards the road. Plumage patterns are a master class in subtlety, a true birder’s bird. Pallid grayish-brown overall, with pale-edged dark spots on the mantle and diffuse dark streaks on the upper breast and flanks. Outer rectrices showed creamy tips, diagnostic barred inner rectrices largely missing. Distinctive yellow patch along the leading edge of the wing visible when the bird stretched. Huge thanks to my loved ones back home for facilitating this lovely little foray out to the End