December 21, 2021
Several months ago I divided my life list up into years. In a way, the numbers told a story as to what was going on in my life at the time. Some years I saw 50 new bird species, while others yielded far less. I saw 51 new species in 2019, the most I’d ever seen in one year. With a few months still remaining in 2021, I decided right then and there I was going to break my record. I realize my priorities might be out of whack, but I don’t know if I’ve ever been so wholeheartedly intent on accomplishing something in my life. Looking back, I think reaching 52 new species was more symbolic than anything.
Fast forward to late December with only nine days left in the year, I still needed to see four new birds. Sifting through local bird sightings in bed, I saw a report for a Wilson’s Snipe at Ken Malloy Harbor Regional Park. I’ve always wanted to see this species, partly because of the name and partly because of its unusual appearance. I woke up sleepy-eyed at 6 am and quietly began preparing my camera for the day. Before heading out, I whispered my sister’s name to see if she’d wake up. When she half-opened her eyes, I asked if she wanted to join me on my Wilson’s Snipe quest. She had work later in the day so I wasn’t expecting her to say yes, but she jumped out of bed without hesitation. My sister rocks.
I read somewhere that Ken Malloy Harbor Regional Park is the third largest park in LA. It’s huge, lending an extremely elusive bird such as a Wilson’s Snipe plenty of places to hide. The reports I saw the day before included photos of the snipe in reeds, which were presumably by the park’s expansive lake. My sister and I walked and walked, keeping an eye out for movement along the water’s edge. Two hours passed and we still hadn’t seen any snipes. Mind you, it was a chilly, cloudy day and I started feeling guilty for dragging my sister into such a thankless activity. We decided to try for another thirty minutes, at which point we’d throw in the towel and say, “at least we tried.” In a last-ditch effort, we returned to one of the several fishing piers with reeds underneath. I scanned underneath the pier and my sister ventured over to a nearby area with binoculars. I heard her say, “DUDE…” as she pointed to a figure in dense foliage. IT WAS A WILSON’S SNIPE! We relocated for a better view and saw five more. I was overcome with love and excitement; all I could do was hug her.
For the record, I ended up meeting my goal over the next few days with a Short-billed Gull, Band-tailed Pigeon, and Mute Swan. Sharing such a special memory with my sister was the cherry on top.
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Gone Birdin' 