Scissors Crossing early morning

An early visit to the area north of Scissors Crossing along S2 yielded a couple of good birds. I pulled over to park where the trees come closest to the road (roughly a ½ mile north of the intersection of S2 and Hwy 78) and got out my chair to do a stationary observation. I had barely taken a seat when I heard the knocking call of what I believed to be a Yellow-billed Cuckoo. It several times during the 1 ½ hours that I sat there. I left and checked a few other locations, then came back, and continued to sit and listen in the company of Max L. We heard the bird a couple of times, the last before I left was at almost 10:30 am. A breeze blowing right into our faces made recording difficult, but I did get one which is included in my checklist. I was never able to see the bird. I have made several listening trips out there this early summer, and this is the first hint of cuckoo, but this is also the first time I went to this spot first thing.

I also had a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak, feeding on Elderberries and actively chasing away a Black-headed Grosbeak. There was also the continuing Western Tanager male I have seen in the area for the past several weeks.

Checklist: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S58057291

Nancy Christensen

Ramona