I did the rounds this morning and didn’t see anything particularly special. It was a beautiful day – clear and warmer than it has been.
Just the usual suspects.
Some late Black-Bellied Plovers gamboling with Canada Geese.
A Great Blue Heron on a mudflat.
Swans & Ducks & Gulls – the usual.
I decided to pull into Perry Pond to see what was going on there and I recognized my friend Sue’s car. She was looking at the Long-Billed Dowitcher that she discovered there a few days ago. She is at #300 for the year and still on the hunt.
Nick, another fellow birder had been trying for days to get this bird – and Sue had a walk scheduled soon. I told her I would stay and watch the bird until Nick arrived.
Nick had been there twice when I was looking for the bird – neither time did it show up. I knew he had looked the previous day as well. I had time, so I stayed.
ETA 20 minutes.
I moved my car into position so I could sit and watch it. I took some photos, but mostly I watched. Once I put down my bins and panicked a little when I couldn’t find it again – then I did.
OH NO – it’s headed for the reeds.
I issued a fervent prayer to the bird gods.
They responded.
It turned around.
I observed.
My fondness grew.
I had a moment.
Or two.
It is possible.
I might recognize this bird at a glance in the future.
Nick arrived and got the bird.
Zen birding lesson of the day: Sometimes when you do something nice for someone else, it turns out to be something pretty nice for you.
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