This Townsend's Solitaire was present in a Fairview Township backyard beginning December 31, 2006 through at least January 9, when these photos were taken. Its favored perch (in a small Bradford pear tree) was amazingly accomodating, just ten to fifteen feet outside the back door. Though viewing through a pane of window glass, it was hard for a birder/photographer to ask for more. During my visit, the bird remained in the tree in plain sight for nearly an hour, waiting out a few passing snow showers. The snow flakes accumulating on the solitaire's head in the first picture below make that shot my favorite.

 

This represents the first confirmed record for Erie County.