It took two hours but she finally put in an appearance. If you've followed this blog, you know that I've looked for a White-winged Crossbill in Colorado, Alaska (three times), New Brunswick, and New Hampshire with no success. Over a week ago this female appeared at a Juniata County PA bird feeder and I got wind of it through the state listserve. She then flew into a window and developed a bump on her head and a bum wing. However, being the resilient soul she is, she righted herself and hung on for over a week just so we (Joyce and I) could see her, and she seems to be doing very well at present. She was visiting feeders at the Lost Creek Shoe Shop in Oakland Hills PA. It's a store run by an Amish family. They also do shoe repairs including putting new Vibram souls on hiking boots. We waited an hour in the store watching their feeders through the windows with no luck. Then better news! The wife and mom of the operation returned from their house across the street to tell us that the bird was feeding at the feeders at the house. We went there only to miss the crossbill by a minute. So we sat and chatted with Aden Trayer, the former store owner, recently "retired," who is quite a birder and has traveled to Churchill. We traded Churchill stories while we waited for the bird's arrival. After almost exactly another hour had passed, she came in to her favorite feeder. I got a reasonable picture (photo) although she stayed on the shady side of the feeder. After chalking up yearbird #719, we went back to the store and bought some bird related items to take with us. Aden also sells optics, as in Swarovski, Leica, Zeiss, etc. He showed me some of his wares, and I priced a new scope. But I also found out it he takes in trades including scopes. I told him I'd get back to him when I was ready to buy my replacement scope. Joyce and I then took his lunch recommendation and went to the Bread of Life in McAlisterville. During lunch I checked emails, NARBA, and listserves on my netbook, and found that the Tufted Flycatcher at Big Bend NP had been seen well this morning. Using the netbook, I got an airline ticket to Midland TX for tomorrow to give the flycatcher a try. I also made reservations for a BWI airport motel so Joyce and I could spend another evening together before parting ways again. And another chase is on.
It took two hours but she finally put in an appearance. If you've followed this blog, you know that I've looked for a White-winged Crossbill in Colorado, Alaska (three times), New Brunswick, and New Hampshire with no success. Over a week ago this female appeared at a Juniata County PA bird feeder and I got wind of it through the state listserve. She then flew into a window and developed a bump on her head and a bum wing. However, being the resilient soul she is, she righted herself and hung on for over a week just so we (Joyce and I) could see her, and she seems to be doing very well at present. She was visiting feeders at the Lost Creek Shoe Shop in Oakland Hills PA. It's a store run by an Amish family. They also do shoe repairs including putting new Vibram souls on hiking boots. We waited an hour in the store watching their feeders through the windows with no luck. Then better news! The wife and mom of the operation returned from their house across the street to tell us that the bird was feeding at the feeders at the house. We went there only to miss the crossbill by a minute. So we sat and chatted with Aden Trayer, the former store owner, recently "retired," who is quite a birder and has traveled to Churchill. We traded Churchill stories while we waited for the bird's arrival. After almost exactly another hour had passed, she came in to her favorite feeder. I got a reasonable picture (photo) although she stayed on the shady side of the feeder. After chalking up yearbird #719, we went back to the store and bought some bird related items to take with us. Aden also sells optics, as in Swarovski, Leica, Zeiss, etc. He showed me some of his wares, and I priced a new scope. But I also found out it he takes in trades including scopes. I told him I'd get back to him when I was ready to buy my replacement scope. Joyce and I then took his lunch recommendation and went to the Bread of Life in McAlisterville. During lunch I checked emails, NARBA, and listserves on my netbook, and found that the Tufted Flycatcher at Big Bend NP had been seen well this morning. Using the netbook, I got an airline ticket to Midland TX for tomorrow to give the flycatcher a try. I also made reservations for a BWI airport motel so Joyce and I could spend another evening together before parting ways again. And another chase is on.
Tally-ho, way to go!!!
ReplyDeleteI feel better (as I'm sure you do). I've been worried since Homer.
ReplyDeleteDave S.
Glad little-miss-hard-to-get finally came through! Renee
ReplyDeleteThe word "pit bull" is taking on a new meaning. Congrats!! Audrey
ReplyDeleteNorthern Lapwing in CT - All I know is from the Birding on the Net site
ReplyDeletehttp://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CTBD.html#1290958647