A Black-billed Cuckoo was reported yesterday by Cecile Lee near the cemetery on the north edge of the town of Elbert – oddly enough in Elbert county.
Jeanne and I headed that way with low expectations, but high hopes. It was eleven years ago that we had traveled to Weld county's Norma's Grove in search of this species. We did not find the bird, but did have our first opportunity to meet Ira Sanders.
Today we found the bird in the trees on the east side of North Elbert Highway across from the intersection with CR-102. We parked in a large pull-off area and walked to the fence on the east edge of the property - about 100 yards in from the road. It took some time before we heard the bird call and then we located it in the trees at mid-level. Fairly large bird with black bill, long tail, dark back and white stomach. We could not ID an eye ring. Tail spots seemed smaller than the YBCU we are used to seeing in Colorado. Call seemed to match recording on Sibley app.
Because of all the rain, the grass and weeds are quite high in this location, so long pants are recommended. Of course, I was wearing shorts!
Good birding, all.
Mel Goff
Colorado Springs
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