A diminutive, pudgy, winged visitor has set Humboldt County's birding community all atwitter. The little bunting has decided to show its beak in the fields of McKinleyville, and, according to a Godwit Days mailer, "hundreds of birders in California and — even from the East Coast and other states — have changed their weekend plans to see this bird, which is only the 5th record for the Lower 48 states and only the 2nd record for mainland California (2 records for the Farallone Islands)."

It's unclear what the "Asian-based" species is doing on this side of the Pacific.

Join the flock by calling 707-822-LOON for updates on the bunting and other rare bird sightings, or visit either of these message boards for updates.