There are birds that enter my area just a few weeks every year. I try to prepare for them and get lucky most of the time when they arrive. Some species have eluded me (the Bobolink is one) except for a fly by or voices from a tangle of brambles.
Here is my 2023 list of missing fliers (unless I get lucky soon).
Cedar Waxwing, usually here twice a year for a week or two at a time.
I have not captured an Owl photo since 2019. Barred, Great Horned, Barn and Eastern Screech Owls have been heard but not seen in the last three years (even a few nights ago). Frustrating moments for the end of the day or a Dawn chorus (especially pre-Halloween).
Great Horned Owl 2019
Wilson’s Snipe
Maybe I should have carried a pillow case with me to try to catch a Snipe this year. I have been where they normally show up (same with the American Woodcock). No luck yet.
Update of my last statement. Hay seed and I did some birding Sunday Oct. 22nd. We were able to get this Wilson’s Snipe.
It is possible that my luck is changing.
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Wilson’s Snipe going for a meal.
The Nightjars (I am one of too many frustrated by not getting a shot) may be a lifelong elusive family of birds for me. I have recorded (audio only) Chuck-will-Widow, Whip-Poor-Will and Common Nighthawk without a single feather or flutter on film.
Chuck-will-Widow (not my photo) call just yards from my home.
Last, and certainly not least, are the waterfowl I have not yet seen. Mergansers, Ring-necked, Pintail and Bufflehead ducks are missing from my files. They may still show up and I’ll be happy to get my shot at them. For now, they are MIA and I am wondering what I can do about that loss.
Bufflehead and Scaup, a 2020 appearance.
I am hoping to get a look at a Woodcock walking. I respect any animal that decides this is the proper way to move forward in life.
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I saw this young Red-tail Hawk fleeing a murder of Crows. He had gained some speed, dipped into the trees and eluded the mob. It popped out and casually made a loop over me (I felt it needed to show off). I was very proud to get my shot and cheered his skill.
I expect we all have some species that has eluded us. Share one or several that you’d love to see (and may have the chance before the year ends.)