At 942: Blue Bunting chase gives me four more
Blue Bunting, a vagrant from Mexico, was being reported since Feb. I needed one more rarity to motivate me to make the long drive down and back. Long-eared Owl was seen briefly sometime back at Hidalgo county until it disappeared from its roost. Then it was just refound for a day. Last week, Tropical Parula offered good views at Santa Ana NWR. I had seen it in Ecuador before, but I felt a good view was required. These two, plus a shot at Red-billed Pigeon, and a reliable Green Parakeets roost convinced me to make a trip now. Blue Bunting - immature male I wanted to get up as early as 4:30 am but I snoozed until 6:45! I was on the road after a light breakfast by 7:30 am. I got tea in a flask which I planned to drink from about halfway on the trip. First spot was of course Quninta Mazatlan for the Blue Bunting. I reached the place after noon, and was disappointed due to the crowd. I parked a little away and walked in the heat and dust with...