[Birdnet] NO Magnolia Warbler :(

[Tim Avery]

After getting the call from Kris around lunch, I headed back from above
Strawberry Reservoir, and up to Garr Ranch.  Dennis Shirley, Glenn Barlow,
Pomera Fronce and Steve Carr were already present and looking for the bird,
without luck.  The ranch seemed pretty dead, and the few birds that were
present were quickly ID'd and then left in search of the Magnolia.  I checked
the trees to the west of the stables, the patch of Russian Olive, and line of
phragmites to the east of the ranch, as well as the ponds to the south.  As
Pomera and Steve left, the Sommerfeld's arrived and began searching as well.  I
think the entire ranch got a very thorough shake down.  Dennis worked the
picnic area, while Steve and Cindy covered the main grove, and the pasture
edges.  Around 5:30 Jack Binch, Pat Jividen and Bob Huntington showed up and
looked around as well.  Shortly after the entire group dispersed and headed out
before the gates closed at 6:00pm.

John Bellmon sent me a couple pictures of the bird, and after talking with Kris
Purdy briefly, it appears the bird is a 1st winter/fall individual, and was
quite striking.  A shame it didn't make an afternoon appearance.  Along with
several others present we brainstormed the birds whereabouts:

1. In a stroke of lunchtime genius, the bird flew south to the International
Center, hoping to avoid a flurry of observers.

2. It sat peacefully 45 feet up in a populus calmly watching behind the cover of
leaves, and softly "tweet-laughing" to itself.

3. It moved east into the impenetrable phragmite jungle, keeping a low profile
for the remainder of the afternoon.

4. And my personal favorite and recurring nightmare, it met its fate with a
hungry Sharp-shinned Hawk or one of several Great Horned Owls now roaming the
ranch (although apparently GHOW's prefer larger, more closely related birds as
prey...).  I nervously checked feather litter in several places hoping not to
find a bit of olive or yellow...

Thanks to those who also made the trek out to look for the 4th vagrant eastern
Warbler in as many days.

And, yes that was a frowny face at the end of the subject line...

Cheers

Tim
Salt Lake City, UT
tanager at timaverybirding.com
http://www.timaverybirding.com
http://www.timavery.com