One hit, two misses

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     There were four options for chasing this month. The Little Gull at Dallas was being seen relatively closer for a few days which meant a scope may not be needed. The Yellow Grosbeak at a private residence, 2.5 hours away from ATX had a waiting list for weekend visits. I got into one and it was a couple of weeks away. The Golden-crowned Warbler in RGV was joined by a female Crimoson-colored Grosbeak - sadly I don't know if I can go through the border checkpost area with a pending I797 approval. A Fork-tailed Flycatcher was being reported at a restricted access area south of Houston. 

Chase 1a:
     I emailed the concerned person at Brazos Woods and fixed a time to bird the preserve that is normally closed to the public. The time was fixed to a window on Sunday, but I was notified Friday night that Sat was fine too. I drove to my uncle's place in Sugarland on Friday, and went to the preserve the next day. 
Fork-tailed Flycatcher
Fork-tailed Flycatcher



It was cold and slightly windy, but bearable. A short hike on the prairie and slushy mud was all that was required to spot the Fork-tailed Flycatcher for bird 977. Checklist: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S52519604. My birding for the day was over.

Chase 1b:
     Next day, I birded Big Thicket National Preserve area for Henslow's Sparrow and dipped. One hike near the HQ until I reached a huge pool of water on the trail - https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S52559064, and one short hike on the boradwalk of Sundew Trail. Henslow's Sparrow is the final winter resident that is left for me in east TX. Of course there is Yellow Rail and Black Rail - I don't know of a way other than participating in Rail Walks at Anahuac NWR to get those. The rail walks have been suspended indefinitely since the Black Rails are not doing so well. This was my first unsuccessful chase where I had to drive 2+ hrs one way.

Chase 2:
     The next week, I went to chase the Yellow Grosbeak. I don't want to share anything more than what is public knowledge - so keeping this short. I made a 2 hr 45 mins drive. Me and the other birders waited for the whole day and the bird was a no show. At sunset we all gave up, and I made the 2 hr 45 mins drive back home. This is my second unsuccessful bird chase. Worst so far in terms of effort. The Ferruginous Pygpy-Owl was almost a flop - https://operation1kbirds.blogspot.com/2017/08/ferruginous-pygmy-owl-brings-me-to-912.html
Checklist: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S52794199.


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