Great find, Nick! I think that you are correct in thinking that this is new for the Valley. According to the latest and most authoritative source of information about San Luis Valley birds, there are no previous records of Yellow-crowned Night Herons there. The source I referred to is John J. Rawinski's guide, "Biding Hotspots of South-central Colorado." (EarthBird Services, Monte Vista, CO 81144). This is the best Colorado Regional guide I have seen and is a handy and detailed, user-friendly guide to both familiar and out-of-the-way sites you'll want to check down there. (Disclaimer: I have no financial interest in the book). Rare wading birds like Tri-colored Heron and White Ibis have been seen there, but there are no previous records of YCNH. If I am mistaken, I hope that John will correct me. In my opinion the San Luis Valley and other parts of South-central Colorado are "under-birded" for these reasons: It is not close to most places where keen Colorado birders reside. (Except for John and Lisa). It is not on the West Slope and thus holds less appeal for active West Slope birders. It can have good migrants, but is not a handy and proven migrant spot like Chico Basin, Crow Valley, Lamar, etc. There is not propinquity to active birders in the upper Front Range (Ft Collins, Boulder, Denver, Monument) and It is often "on the way" to Durango and not a destination in itself. (Think of the pejorative expression "fly-over" country for any state between the left and right coasts). So congratulations to Nick to finding and ID'ing this rarity. Time for all of us to follow his example and "go someplace." Joe Roller Denver **************A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy steps! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1222846709x1201493018/aol?redir=http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072&hmpgID=115&bcd =JulystepsfooterNO115)
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