Dear Tweeters,
I used to have a few nemesis birds, but I managed to find them over the last few years--Painted Bunting, Clamorous Reed Warbler, and Indian Pitta. I will gloss over all the tales of "There was one at the feeder the day before yesterday," or "You should have visited our country in the springtime," ?or "there it is, between the Phragmites stems."
To me, a bird isn't a nemesis bird until the birder has struck out numerous times trying for it. Extra points are awarded for logistical challenges faced, money wasted, and beginners overheard gloating with insouciance. The latter refers to neophytes one hears casually mentioning how easy it was when they "got" the bird--typically, on the first occasion they ever waltzed into its range, without even trying!
That hat was on my head, the very first time I ever visited what is now my home state of Washington. I blundered upon some White-tailed Ptarmigans on Mount Rainier back in 1986, not knowing just how lucky I was. I think the ptarmigan was one of the first 20 species on what would become my Washington State list. Little did I know back then, how long it would take before I'd ever see a ptarmigan again.
May we all tick those nemeses, sooner if not later!
Yours truly,
Gary Bletsch