ML646596755

Observation details

Mega* Second state record found by Max Epstein, 25 years after the first (Jones Beach. Found by Tom Burke and Gail Benson). This is a bird for high powered optics. Naked eye it lacks any striking features, but through optics it is quite colorful and intricately patterned. the crown and nape when it's head was down feeding was based in gray with black flecking which broadened out onto the back with reddish-brown centered feathers with light edging. Tonally, it was a shapeshifter. In some light it appeared pale gray overall, yet in other light the colors popped. Thin, white eye-ring, warm brown cheek/post ocular spot. Long dark tail which video of the underside in flight shows worn central tail feathers. This species has been a facepalm bird for me. I was at Jones Beach in 2000 with John Walsh when the first record was found, but we had just returned from my first trip to SE Arizona and seen dozens of them and saw no reason to investigate further. Didn't think I'd get another chance at this species. Thanks, Max!