Not a Colorado bird, but a good (somewhat close) one

[Eric DeFonso]

Hi all,

On my way back from Kansas City yesterday, I swung by the Shane residence in Garden City. There they are hosting a first state record LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCH, which has been regularly visiting their abundant feeders for about a week now. Some of you may recall that Colorado hosted a first-state-record LAGO about 18 years ago at Larry Arnold's place in Grand Junction, and that there has not been one documented in Colorado since. Garden City is only 50 miles from the state line, if you were so inclined.

The Shanes, as you may recall, also hosted the westernmost Brown-headed Nuthatch ever about 3 1/2 years ago. Same feeders, so go figure. Great folks, very accommodating. (Their BHNU was actually a 2nd-state record, the first being in the Kansas City area way back in the late 1990s)

If that weren't enough, Sara Shane also found the notable Yellow-eyed Junco at Lake Scott State Park a year prior to that! (Also a first-state-record). With patience, Western Kansas can be quite surprising.

Eric

-------

Eric DeFonso
Boulder County, CO