The Northern Jacana is a Mexican or South American bird. He shouldn't be at Choke Canyon Lake near Three Rivers, but he is. Our expedition set out at 6:00 A.M. to see him: Gayle Rozaky, Valerie Smith, their four birding kids, and Old Coot. It was cold! Not a good birding day for the birder. Our first sighting at Choke was a Harris Hawk. Soon we approached a flock of wild turkeys with a strutting gobbler. Next we saw a herd of deer with a big buck in tow. On the bare branch of a mesquite was a vermillion flycatcher, a mix of orange and red. We were after a different bird. He is about 8-10 inches tall with BIG FEET and toenails four inches long. These enable Jacana to walk on lily pads and other debris.
The first search was unsuccessful. It didn't look good for us until a park ranger gave an important tip. We were off to a small lake and began to search the shoreline. Sleet peppered us from time to time. I was cold and gave up the hunt. Sitting in Gayle's car I heard her cell ring. I picked it up to answer. It was from Valerie! Why was she calling? She is down there in front of me on the lakeshore.... I can see her......AND SHE IS WAVING! I grabbed binos and camera and raced to where she stood with her binoculars pointed at the shoreline. Sure enough, there was the little guy with enormous feet and toenails...NORTHERN JACANA. It was only moments and the others joined us along with a couple from Canada. Jacana was most cooperative. It was like a Super Bowl win for birders, costing only some sleep, momentary discomfort, and petrol.
Is this a crazy hobby or what? To the non-birder it is looney. (Get it...LOON ey). I am quite sure you don't have a crazy hobby like collecting thimbles or whatever. Hobbies are good for us for the most part. Mine is chasing birds. Jacana was real nice.