Prothonotary Warbler and Cuckoo ID help (Ionia)...

[Scott Manly]

Had another great morning out along the Ionia River Trail in Ionia, MI.   Started out with Swainson's Thrush singing behind my house.
 
Heard the Yellow-throated Vireo again near the powerlines between the Cleveland St. parking and the walking bridge.
 
Got to the walking bridge crossing the Grand River and heard a warbler singing that got me excited.  I looked up and sure enough, on the rail of the bridge was a PROTHONOTARY WARBLER.  (New yard bird)!  Unfortunately, he didn't stick around for pictures.
 
On the way to the Chat fields, I had a few nice encounters with Willow, Least and Acadian Flycatchers, Scarlet Tanager, Red-eyed and Warbling Vireo, and Yellow-billed Cuckoos (a few nice pictures too).  
 
I now believe there may be as many as 4 Chats singing on territory out there.  Also heard Blue-winged Warblers, Great-crested Flycatcher, and ALDER FLYCATCHER (new yard bird) in the field.  And as I was getting on my bike to leave I had another cuckoo appear and pose for pictures (third of the day).  After seeing and hearing Yellow-billed Cuckoos all morning, I didn't think much of this bird when he appeared, but I took a few pictures anyway. After downloading them I realize I may have a Black-billed Cuckoo (a lifer for me), but I am not sure. I can't see any yellow on the bill, and the eye seems to be red.  Any help would be appreciated.   If it is a Black-billed, it would bring my "yard list" up to 134 and be the first lifer of this yard list.
 
http://www.grovestreet.com/jsp/picview.jsp?album=71650&sort=date_added&ord=desc
 
When my wife and I were house-hunting last summer here in Ionia, my prayer was that if God was willing, He would give me a place where I could walk out my back door and go pour out my heart to Him in nature.  I am awed and amazed time and again how much He has answered this prayer and met me as I go out to exercise and pray.  "The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and He added no sorrow with it."  Proverbs 10:22.  Thank You, Lord.
 
Good birding,
Scott Manly
 
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