El Paso County: Drennan road

[Aaron Driscoll]

Once again, went out to Drennan Road to see if I could get any of the reported birds that I haven't seen (Savannah Sparrow and McCown's Longspur).

Didn't see them tonight.

But....had a lifer!  Just wish I could have got it on my memory card.

 

I had started my trip at Squirrel Creek Road pond.

Went east on Squirrel Creek to Milne.

Turned north on Milne.

Turned west on Drennan.

About a half mile after I made my turn to head west from Milne, I spotted a small bird on the fence wire.  He was acting strange.  Hopping down the wire; dipping into the grass; hop back up to the wire; moving pretty fast.

Time of the sighting, around 7:15pm, so its already getting pretty dark.

Put my bino's on it - Yes!!!!  I am 99% sure it was a Black-throated Green Warbler.  The green/olive marking were clearly visible; the white wing bars visible. 

So I'm on my camera just clicking away.

Said to myself, better check to make sure I'm in focus (my excitement had shut off my brain and I had failed to get my basic readings set).

Hit my view pictures button - nothing.

Got this notice - "No memory card".

Almost threw the camera out the window.

 

Raced home to look at the bird books.  Yep, exactly what I saw.

I now have a dilemna - do I count it as a lifer or not?  I always try to get them on film to be 100% sure.  I've doubted myself for the last hour.  I'm not gonna count it. Bad lighting could have played tricks on me.

Maybe I'll find it tomorrow.  Doubt it, but I'm gonna look again.

 

Aaron Driscoll

Colorado Springs

 

 

[Aaron D.]

After further review and input from the amazing birders of this state, I must update my sighting:  probably a Townsend's Warbler.

Looks like it's time for me to get glasses.  :)