I found this bird just after arriving on Dauphin Island, the Thursday afternoon before the Alabama AOS state meeting. Looking from the airport, I saw a blob of color far across the bay that just did not fit. I could see no bill nor legs so I just kept watching. Luckily, nothing else stirred my attention and I was looking at the bird when it took flight. Mary Waldrip and Steve McConnell got on the bird as it flew toward us and then went to the south. The bird following an unhesitating route, apparently knew exactly where it was going to roost, so I figured it would still be around the next day. The bird stayed at least 3 or 4 more days and probably became the most photographed rare bird ever in Alabama as it paraded just 30 or so feet away from the crowd all weekend.