Birding

Where Are You Birding This Second Weekend of March 2012?

March 8, 2012 by Mike 14 Comments

To twitch or not to twitch… that is the question facing many listers in the northeastern United States this weekend. The directionally-challenged Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch that Corey documented so lovingly continues to abide where rosy-finches never do. As long as it persists, this Western species will prompt every birder within 400 miles to consider, however briefly, taking a run to see it. Have you thought about chasing this rarity?

I’ve pondered the question myself, but decided to remain true to my personal ban on twitching. The rosy-finch isn’t even that far from me, but I’d rather see this species in the Rocky Mountains. Instead, I’m resigned to marking the arrivals of some of the first birds of spring around here. Corey will also be remaining local and low-key, unless another sick state rarity turns up… How about you? What will you be doing this weekend and will you be birding? Share your plans in the comments below.

Whatever your plans this weekend, make time to enjoy SkyWatch Friday. Also be sure to come back Monday to share your best bird of the weekend!

Boy, Botswana is beautiful! Enjoy more gorgeous pics by Adrian Binns in James’s trip report
(photo by Adrian Binns)

March weekend

Written by Mike

Mike is a leading authority in the field of standardized test preparation, but he's also a traveler who fully expects to see every bird in the world. Besides founding 10,000 Birds in 2003, Mike has also created a number of other entertaining but now extirpated nature blog resources, particularly the Nature Blog Network and I and the Bird.

14 Comments

Naomi in upstate NY March 8, 2012 at 6:13 pm
We went after the Rosy Finch today from Albany. Arrived about 10am, learned the bird was last seen about 6:30am. *sigh*
Jochen March 9, 2012 at 4:45 am
Despite the fact that the Rosy-finch is only a mere 3.819 miles from my home, I won’t twitch it. I’ll be birding locally instead, around Heidelberg/Germany.
Pat ODonnell March 9, 2012 at 8:58 am
Although New York is an easy 6 hour plane ride from Costa Rica, I too join the ban on twitching the rosy finch as a state bird. Instead, I hope to do some birding somewhere in Costa Rica- maybe check out an underbirded road through cloud forest.
Tanya March 9, 2012 at 9:18 am
wow that is just beautiful!
LindyLouMac in Italy March 9, 2012 at 11:13 am
Calling by as another participant in SkyWatch Friday, Mother Nature never ceases to amaze me with her beautiful sunsets.
Mama Zen March 9, 2012 at 12:04 pm
Gorgeous picture!
Tatjana Parkacheva March 9, 2012 at 12:33 pm
Beautiful photo.
Regards and best wishes
Corey March 9, 2012 at 6:32 pm
Debating whether or not to chase the rosy-finch is an exercise in futility now – it was last seen very early on Thursday morning. 🙁
HansHB March 10, 2012 at 4:06 am
WOW, – this is just so good!
I wish you a nice weekend!
ladyfi March 10, 2012 at 5:49 am
That is just lovely!
Katrina March 10, 2012 at 12:28 pm
I thought about chasing that rosy-finch, but not seriously. I might go 100 miles for a bird like that, but not several hundred. I rarely chase anything outside the immediate vicinity and I’d rather see it where it belongs. Instead, I’m hoping to get out this evening or tomorrow evening to look/listen for displaying American Woodcock.
Seagullsteve March 11, 2012 at 12:21 am
I saw my third Californian Yellow-throated Warbler today. All is right with the world.
Vermfly March 11, 2012 at 11:37 am
Very cool on the Yellow-throated Warbler. I need that bird for San Mateo County. I’ll have to find a time to get over there.
I am birding locally around Sacramento. I hit the American River Parkway on Saturday.
Kathiesbirds March 11, 2012 at 9:29 pm
Absolutely beautiful photograph! I am birding around my own neighborhood this weekend and just saw my first wood ducks of the year at a local park in Andover, MA!