Failed Twitch (Well, Sort Of)

After school today, my Dad and I went down to Rondeau hoping to see the Townsend's Warbler.

We were delayed by at least 45 minutes due to construction. At least on the detour I got to see a few thousand crows and a Rough-legged Hawk!

When we finally arrived in Bate's Subdivision, I realized that chances of finding the bird was next to none. I was one person, in the fading light, in the middle of a forest...it would be like finding a needle in a haystack!

After walking around a bit, I heard a few convincing chip notes, and whenever I heard a chickadee I got excited, but I never was able to find the rarity for which I came.

I decided to cut my losses, and head out to the beach to try to find the reported Ross's Goose before it got totally dark.

Out on the lake, there were a couple thousand Canada Geese and a couple Common Goldeneye. I also heard and saw a few Tundra Swans.

Canada Geese

After about thirty seconds of scanning the gaggle with my binoculars, I was able to easily pick out the small white goose....success!

Ross's Goose and Canada Geese

After watching it for a few minutes, the flock took off, allowing for photos in flight (which would have been better if it wasn't dark and the geese weren't half a kilometer away).

Ross's Goose and Canada Geese

Although I didn't see my main target, I did at least get to see the Ross's, which was a lifer. Who knows...maybe I can find something this weekend!