Pennsylvania State University
In June of 2020, Stephen Gosser, a self-described “diehard birder,” was out in the woods of Western Pennsylvania when he thought he heard the song of the elusive and strikingly beautiful scarlet tanager. The blood-red bird with black wings and tail is a favorite among birders for both its beauty and rarity, as the birds prefer to stay hidden high in the forest canopy.
When Gosser finally located the songbird, he saw what appeared to be a rose-breasted grosbeak, but it sounded just like a scarlet tanager. He took some photos and called for backup-a team from the National Aviary in Pittsburgh arrived soon after to catch the bird and obtain a blood sample.
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