This morning I had set the goal for myself to sit on the side porch and try identify all the birds I was hearing by song. All my best intentions flew out the window when I heard my Yellow-billed Cuckoo calling. Off the porch I went in hot pursuit. The first Cuckoo was giving the coo song...faintly and then louder and continued to give that call the entire time.
When the second Cuckoo arrived the call was so much deeper and more throaty...almost thought it was a bird mimicking a cuckoo. Almost like a cuckoo with a cold...or like a person who smokes heavily. This bird gave both the coo song and the kowlp-kowlp song. It was not until I saw both birds fly off together that I could confirm two cuckoos. Exciting to have them back this year...especially as I understand that the western sub-species of this bird is in decline! We hope for successful nesting again this year...lots and lot of caterpillars in the area so food should be plentiful. Birds are observed for 30 minutes or more. Polly Wren Neldner La Veta, CO Sent from my iPad -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.
