Generally I report successful bird chases on this blog. Not tonight. But I believe it is worth chronicling a failed trip because it does help me (you?) savor the wins.
When I went an unprecedented 5/5 in South Texas in December, I was guided by Evan Farese. Small world…with the help of loyal blog-follower Anne Parish, we determined Anne and Nina knew him as a little boy in SF! Anyway, UT-Rio Grande Valley grad student – Evan, found a “code 4” Fan-tailed Warbler in mid-January on campus. The rare bird alerts were immediate.
After weeks of reading fairly regular reports on e-Bird of this six-inch skulker, I pulled the trigger and used the last of OUR American frequent flier miles. Spring break started yesterday so I didn’t even burn a vacation day:).
This gray-backed, yellow-chested ground dweller has been frequenting a couple hundred yard dense thicket adjacent to a resaca. It vocalizes infrequently and pops into view even less so. The area from which one has even a remote chance to see it is very small, sloped and uncomfortable to sit or stand. At least there weren’t any biting insects.
Why was I drawn to catch a 5am flight from Philly-Dallas-Harlingen, knowing I was going to stand/sit for hours (six yesterday and six more today) and only hope to view this thing? I’m still asking myself that question on this Saturday night flight home. But two guys from Tampa and a carload of Ohio BIRD-MAD teenagers are probably asking themselves the same question.
I suppose the answer is that the thrill of the chase – or in this case, wait – is as adrenaline-pumping as the catch itself. Or at least close enough to try. Trying is the message here. You miss 100% of the shots you do not attempt.
birdtalesblog 
Hi, George.
We had some modest success as neophyte birdwatchers earlier this month in Chilean Patagonia. In Parque Nacional Torres del Paine, we saw plenty of Cara Caras – gangsta birds, if you ask me. Also spotted were a brace of Darwin’s Rhea as well as a small lake full of pink flamingos – real, not plastic. Fairly pedestrian stuff, I know, though entirely novel for Myriam and me.
I’d seen Andean condors before, during one of my hikes in the Ecuadorian Andes during the early 1990s. No luck with that species on this trip, even though they’re a critical part of the ecosystem. Pumas (to use the Incan word) kill guanicos – wild relatives of llamas and the largest camelids in the Western Hemisphere. But the big cats never eat the entire carcass, which are left for condors and other scavengers.
I’m just trying to follow your good example, George.
Doug
Professor! Wonderful to hear from you. Thought of you several times….even mentioned you:)….last week as my daughter Sarah (35) had her wedding in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. You know the only other time I visited that great country. 130 attended this “destination” 4 day event. Managed to go birding with a guide twice, as well. Love that you are at least a “neophyte” birder. I hope all is well in yr world. My youngest (Karly – born at OSU in 1995) lives in Brooklyn with an OSU grad from Columbus. Our paths may cross again in Ohio. At least I hope so. Sincerely, George
That trip in 1995 was great; I remember sloths, gators, butterflies (in Monteverde), and birds. Plenty of birds.
If you ever get to Columbus, remember mi casa es tu casa, as they say.
A for effort Woodie! Sorry that the bird took the day off, much like our Philly Birds who took the last half of the season off!
Puss! Thanks for reading and commenting. Can’t win them all…..
Great effort, Bro! And a great read about a great adventure, despite the outcome. Living is in the trying…
Thrill of the wait! Love it – great attitude, George.
GW…..tenacious is a big part of your personal DNA.
I’m always impressed by your preparation, logistics, and craft, Woody— now more than ever. In venture capital, we say you need to break a few eggs to make an omelette.
If you succeed every time you set out after a bird, where would the thrill come from? Keep at it, man. (I know you will.) You got this!
Woody, I feel your pain! As you know, sometimes we Birders skrikeout. I got a good one for ya. Probably the last 15 yrs. of visiting Mom in Florida (Tampa area) my #1 target bird is the red-cockaded woodpecker. Well, this was the year and it was a sucess! Had my Mom with me as well, which made it more enjoyable. I could never connect with that bird, but finally did. That puts me at 524! Seen near Brooksville, FL Croom Wildlife Management Area. Seen 4, and got some decent photos which I will send.Told Fordie I’m thinking about retiring at the end of the year. He said “why do you want to do that?” Well we know, I have a lot of birds to find. take care Woody Hope all is well
Love it, GCW!!!!
All so true!