A rare find at Land's End in San Francisco had birders swarming. Monique and I headed down there July 29 to see if we can catch a look. The bird has been unpredictable, but for those who do see it, this is a biggie. The species is usually way out to sea or in remote places. For several weeks, it was eating, resting and hanging around the rocks at Land's End (up at the north west end of SF).

    We arrived early (6:30AM) and got a quick lo...ok before it flew around Hermit rock and landed on the far side out of sight. Stayed about an hour longer but had to go look for the Red-masked Parakeets before heading home.

    So we went back the next day for a better look - after all, it was our 1400th bird. Saw it immediately in the water at 6:40AM, but it flew off. So we stayed with a gathering crowd (12-15 birders) to wait it's reappearance. At about 7:50, someone's phone went off - the bird was on the back of the rock and can be seen about .3 miles down the trail. Like a green flag, the crowd headed down at different speeds until we all bunched up at the viewing spot. Scopes all pointed and sharing openly. Very good views and lousy pictures. Such is life in the birding world. Wouldn't change a thing.