I started the day early in Hull’s Gulch, and left there with 29 birds. I got
home in time to add #30 in my back yard-a Cooper’s eating a M. Dove. In
Hull’s Gulch I found 2 FOY birds, a Virginia Rail and a Calliope Hummer. The
latter bird sat and preened in a nearby bush.

I then headed to Esther Simplot, then to Remington St., then to Laguna
Pointe, then to Hyatt Wetlands. When I got back to Esther Simplot, I only
had 51 birds and no Mergansers. But then I realized there was a female
actively fishing in the main pond. I initially decided it was a
Red-breasted, and called Larry Arnold to let him know. Then I had second
thoughts, called him back and said Common. But then I spent a long time
watching the bird and finally concluded it was, indeed, a Red-breasted. By
that point I was too embarrassed to call Larry again, so I headed home with
52 birds. Just across Whitewater Park Blvd., I heard my first A. Crow of the
day, and presto! I had 53 birds. It was a 30 mile ride, and I was beat when
I got home, but it was also a gorgeous day to be riding my bike all over the
place. (And I’ve apologized to Larry for being so indecisive and annoying.)

Tom McCabe, Boise