This morning we (Intermountain Bird Observatory, with Austin of Idaho Fish & Game joining us) performed our first standardized Yellow-billed Cuckoo surveys of the summer. Happily, we had a cuckoo respond on our 5th survey point!! Then, as a bonus, Austin found & photographed a Band-tailed Pigeon in a cottonwood along W Magic Rd.

Here are pictures (from Austin’s camera screen 🙂

We already submitted an eBird list as we wanted to get the word out soon but are just now finishing our morning of surveys & have time to provide details.

As a reminder, since the western distinct population segment of Yellow-billed Cuckoo was listed as threatened a couple years ago, a US Fish & Wildlife Service permit is required for any use of playback for this species (which we possess for these surveys). Thus, people are welcome to look for the cuckoo but not use playback. The pigeon was seen from the road at ~43.2023 -114.3413.

Thanks,

Jay

Sent from my iPhone