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)
We went after the Rosy Finch today from Albany. Arrived about 10am, learned the bird was last seen about 6:30am. *sigh*
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.
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.
wow that is just beautiful!
Calling by as another participant in SkyWatch Friday, Mother Nature never ceases to amaze me with her beautiful sunsets.
Gorgeous picture!
Beautiful photo.
Regards and best wishes
Debating whether or not to chase the rosy-finch is an exercise in futility now – it was last seen very early on Thursday morning. 🙁
WOW, – this is just so good!
I wish you a nice weekend!
That is just lovely!
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.
I saw my third Californian Yellow-throated Warbler today. All is right with the world.
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.
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!