BROWN BOOBY photographed on June 22 in Left-hand Canyon, Boulder County-not a joke.

[Joe Roller]

This is not a prank or a joke.

About an hour ago Paula Hansley, experienced Boulder County birder, and a long-time friend of mine, was sent a clear nearly frame-filing 

photo of a Brown Booby on a rock in a rushing mountain stream. The photographer, whose name I am trying to find

was said to have stopped on the way up the road and took the photo. JUNE 22. On his way back down he could not

find it. Seen near the small town of Rowena on Left Hand Canyon, I  WAS TOLD

The story is that he took the photo to the Wild Birds Store in Boulder and it made its way to Steve Jones today, then 

on to Paula. Steve knows the photographer and will probably let us know that the guy is not a prankster or given 

to photoshopping. 

That is ALL I know!

We do know that boobies wander and have been loyal to a spot (like a diving board at a pool) for weeks on end).

In that situation they are confiding, not to mention \probably starving. 

This is NOT a joke.

I sent the photo to a few birders who may be more adept than I am at posting the photo here on COBirds.

I suggest that if any birder has time tomorrow, Tuesday June 28, they check water bodies near the sighting 

as this booby may turn up again and glory to the re-finder.

My guess is that IF this mega-rarity is refund, 200+ birders and several newspaper reporters will go to see it. Please post ASAP to CObirds and make some phone calls.

Here is Paula's note:

"I just received a report and picture of an adult brown booby that was seen on the ground in Left Hand Canyon !  Unfortunately, no one knows what happened to it.

I immediately thought of the talk that Bryan Guarente gave on weather and bird migration at a DFO meeting.  I emailed him and asked if he could check the wind flow patterns before June 22! 

I'm fascinated by vagrants!

Paula"

Joe Roller, Denver

My cell phone is 303 204-0828.