Before I start, I wish to welcome all of the new readers that have subscribed to my blog in the past several months. One of them, in particular, caught my interest. Duane Sugarbaker, of my hometown of Muskegon, Michigan recognized my former street address there at 913 Fleming Avenue on this image inserted in my last post. He well should have, as he lived at 901 of the same street.
He and I and my brothers were childhood friends back in the ’40s. Talk about a small world. I haven’t seen him in around 65 years. Duane, tell all the guys from our sandlot baseball team, hello. 🙂
This blog now has 1,472 subscribed readers, plus hundreds more who haven’t subscribed, in 150 countries. It has received, since the beginning about four years ago, 111,295 hits. Rats, I was going to give a prize for the 110,124th hit, but it got away from me. Sorry about that. 🙂
Okay, now about today’s birding. Ann and I decided to see if there were any birds about at Spring Creek and Middle Concho Parks. We spent about two hours, and only saw 17 different species. So much for the mid-summer doldrums. Here is one photo of a Black Vulture wandering around in the grass.
Black Vulture
However, one of the highlights was spotting a Yellow-billed Cuckoo. They usually keep themselves hidden. This one did so, partially, but I was unable to get a decent shot. So I will show these images from my archives. I don’t think I ever blogged about them, anyway. If I did it was probably several years ago.
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
They perch pretty much upright on the branch, usually with their bill pointing upward. Their white breast stands out when you are looking for them in the trees.
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
I don’t usually publish photos with birds and their tail cut off, but it didn’t hurt the composition in this photo, I don’t think.
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
I hope you enjoyed the photos and the narrative. Click on any image to see an enlargement.
Coming this weekend, Part III of my on-going Yakkety-Sax Man epic. If you haven’t done so check out Part I and Part II.
Also, I have now sold nearly 100 copies of my book “Birds, Beasts and Buttes”. They are still available from my Blurb publisher on the right side of this page.
Texas Tweeties by Bob Zeller 
What a small world it is! I really want to see a cuckoo… 😦
Shannon, I hope you get to see that cuckoo soon…..:-)
Never seen a yellow-billed cuckoo before…CUTE! Thanks for posting. And, don’t you love how the Internet allows us to connect with childhood friends?! Amazing. Cheers, Denise
Thanks, Denise. Nice to hear from you. I know you had a wonderful trip abroad. And, yes, hooray for the internet. 🙂
I showed these to my husband, and he was very impressed. He said the yellow-billed cuckoo is a canopy bird, and they are very hard to spot. He’s heard some in our neighbor’s pecan tree. Well done!
Your husband is right. Very hard to spot. Most of the time I have had to photogaphy them through tree branches, etc. Again, thank you.
they are delightful looking birds..never have seen one except for your wonderful photos..kudos and once again thanks for sharing..
Thanks, Syl, for your nice comment. 🙂
The Cuckoo is a “lifer” for me. I found it interesting that you connected with your old neighbourhood gang and congrats on your sales of your book, there will be more, I am sure..
Thanks, Jane. Glad you saw the lifer. It was a co-incidence that my old friend saw that image and connected with.
Well, haven’t you just become Mr. Popularity!! 🙂 You know we all adore you! And the yellow-billed cuckoo is beautiful!
Well, what can I say, Amy. I don’t know where all of this popularity is coming from but I will accept it. 🙂
And well you should! It’s well-earned!!
Congratulations on all fronts. You are an inspiration to us all. Beautiful cuckoo shots, I have yet to see an entire one of these birds myself. 🙂
Thanks, Lisa, I really appreciate your kind compliments. You’re too nice. 🙂
After you, Bob! 🙂
Me being the naive one…so cuckoos really do exist outside of clocks. How ’bout that! Super photos Bob and vultures are really a good sized creature when up close !
Chuckle! That is so funny, David, but I never thought of that. I appreciate all of your fine comments. 🙂
I have not had the pleasure of seeing this bird. Think I will look harder! Pretty coloring on the bill.
Thanks for this post. Keep looking! hugs
They are not in great numbers, and they usually stay partially hidden from view. It helps that their white breast is easy to spot.
Those cuckoos sure are difficult to get out in the open. I generally only get a fleeting glimpse as they fly into dense cover.
Thanks for commenting, Dave. I agree, they are hard to spot.