Cuckoo ID clarification...

[Scott Manly]

I posted 4 pictures ealier today of cuckoos, and wanted some ID help.  The first one is definitely a Yellow-billed.  The other three are the ones in question that I think may be Black-billed.
 
http://www.grovestreet.com/jsp/picview.jsp?album=71650&view=detail&sort=date_added&ord=desc&showtrash=1
 
If anyone can tell me if they are or are not of a Black-billed Cuckoo (and why), I would really appreciated as a Black-billed would be a lifer for me.Good birding,
Scott Manly


From: manlyrs at hotmail.comTo: birders at umich.edu; mich-chat at envirolink.orgSubject: Prothonotary Warbler and Cuckoo ID help (Ionia)...Date: Thu, 31 May 2007 13:28:37 -0400


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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