Though I had seen many of these birds captive, I first saw this bird in the wild over 20 years ago in Rocky Mountain National Park while on a bird walk led by a Park Ranger. The Ranger gave brief instructions on basic binocular use. While everyone dutifully followed his instructions for focusing near and far, he excitedly pointed out a bird at the base of a tree approximately 50 yards away. Just as we all trained our glasses on the yellow bird, he ideed the bird as a Golden Plover.
It is one of my favorite birding memories.
Marcy D'Addio
Redmond WA