Here are pictures of the Eastern Phoebe that was perched in a tree at the edge of the parking lot where we started our bird hike. There was some discussion as to whether this bird was an Olive-Sided Flycatcher or Phoebe, but in the end Phoebe ruled, especially due to the fact that the bird was "wagging its tail down-up repeatedly" while perched on the branch (quoted from my Kaufman Birds of North America field guide.)
Here is a nice picture of a couple Turkey Vultures catching some rays in a dead tree. On our way home, my sister and I saw a TV snacking on a dead raccoon in the road and hoped to get a picture, but even though we slowed way down in the car, the TV wasn't interested in hanging around for pictures, so I'm glad Mr. Schiffman included this picture. Not the prettiest bird in the world, but they're so much fun to watch soaring through the skies.
Lastly, here are the pictures of the Yellow-Billed Cuckoo. Having never seen one before, I was surprised at the size of this bird--as large as a Mourning Dove. Their call is not real loud, but definitely distinctive, once you've heard it. I'm glad they were so cooperative on Saturday morning.
4 comments:
At a glance I would have thought that yellow-billed cuckoo WAS a mourning dove.
I LOVE turkey vultures! Really! I just find them beautiful!
Ruthie, perhaps I have a yellow-billed cuckoo in my back yard? LOL! NOT!
Great post - the vultures are ugly as sin (Lynne likes them, though). LOL Lynne! I posted a black one today.
I've seen a Phoebe once in January. Not since :o(
Good info and post, Ruthie.
I am having trouble keeping up with everyone's posts! Nice pictures. Turkey vultures swoop around the river near the hospital, but I have yet to see one perched. They are so big!
Ruth
Lynne,
The cuckoo was a little stockier than a mourning dove, but if you just saw it flying or perched and didn't look close, it would be hard to tell.
The TVs are fun to watch and you don't often get to see them up close.
Mary,
Keep watching in those doves....according to my Sibley, they are a summer bird in your area. Maybe you'll spot one someday on one of your walks at work.
Ruth,
The TVs take good advantage of the thermals for soaring. They are fun to watch and pretty hard to miss, and usually if you see one, there are several more nearby.
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