Ok. Phase one completed. A total failure! No targets seen. A
great adventure though.
COMMON CRANE
Rough-legged Hawk
Chesnut-collared Longspur
McCown’s Longspur
The problem I had was I wanted to see the ABA bird (CC). So
I spent all of my time scanning countless Sandhills in the area. An absolutely
fantastic spectacle and one I will never forget but I’m obviously disappointed
to miss out. I can honestly say it was worth the journey for this experience
alone. Louise loved it, the spectacle that is, not my scanning!
Now where is that Common Crane?!
 |
| A soft focus effort |
This morning made me think it wasn’t to be this trip as the
already strong wind was now kicking up the sandy soil. Interestingly I didn’t
see one Crane this morning. They were either sensibly sheltering or they’ve
migrated?
The main area for the Hawk is NW of Lubbuck in the Floydada
region but again it’s getting late for them, so I’ve let it go. The combination
of a three hour drive and gale force winds scuppered that one. At least the sun
is shining now. It’s 82 today.
Longspurs are always elusive…at least to me! As already
stated I didn’t give them a fair go due to the Crane search. Never mind.
Found this at one site though...
 |
| White-crowned Sparrow |
The Brownfield area is obviously rural with endless arable
fields interspersed with grasses for livestock. It’s flat, very flat. You can
see forever.
More negative news came in the e-mail from Lorna Clevenger
in New Braunfels informing me that Clyde the Male Calliope Hummingbird had
aquired his full gorget and had migated North to find a new partner. So that on
top of the flooded Bear Creek Park Greater Pewee failure makes it a trip to
forget at the moment! Only kidding, I’m in Texas right, it’s ALL good.
I’ve got my fingers croosed that my 2 ABA ticks waiting for
me in the RGV, namely BLUE BUNTING and NORTHERN JACANA don’t decide to depart
before I get there. Also a Surfbird has turned up at Goose Island S.P. near
Chorpus Christi. A new Texas tick which I’ll try to fit in. Can’t be eveywhere
at once, especially in Texas!!
So now it’s time to leave the Panhandle. We’re heading South
to Colorado City to try for Sage Thrasher before staying ayt Ozana this
evening.
1 comment:
The cranes must have been quite a sight! Shame you lucked out (so far!), Im staying tuned!
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