Prologue: We made the trip to Rouses Point on Lake Champlain to find the Ivory Gull. When we arrived at noon, we were told that no one had seen it that day. We searched the lake and shore from the breakwater on Stony Point Road and then drove to the other sighting spots where we also had no luck. Went to find the nearby Hawk Owl, and then returned to the breakwater a little after 2:30.

The scene: A dozen birders are standing with their scopes on the breakwater. Heavy overcast, light mist, temperature just above freezing, and enough breeze to feel a little chilly. Bob, a birder from Long Island, arrives.

Bob: Anyone seen the bird today?

Chorus: No! No! No!

Bob sets up his scope, looks through it, fiddles with the focus and zoom, and immediately yells at the top of his lungs.

Bob: Holy #%&@! I've got it! #%&@$! I've got it. It's right there! I've got it! I've got it! It's right there! I've got it!

Chorus (incredulously): Where? Where? Where?

Bob (still yelling): Right there!

Several birders line up to look through Bob's scope. Each peers through the scope and then turns away with a look of satisfaction.

Postscript. The bird was very far away across the open water, but eventually flew closer and everyone had a good look at it.

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