I took today off to rest up after the MOS conference,
but Paul wanted to see if we could relocate a singing
Yellow-billed Cuckoo from last weekend for territorial
behavior.  As many have remarked, it has been a terrific
year for them, including in Leakin Park.  I also wanted
to test the theory that after seeing my life Chat a few weeks
ago, my Chat magnetism polarity is now reversed, and
instead of repelling Chats, I am attracting them.  Certainly
seemed that way at the MOS conference.

We heard our target birds almost immediately, and followed
the Cuckoo first, locating it in an Ailanthus tree.  It seemed
agitated, and raised and lowered its tail several times as it
clacked.  Twice it flew away from the tree, only to fly in again.
Paul speculated it had a nest.   Examining the sumac-covered
trunk and branches closely, we did not find a nest; but Paul
located a BARN OWL.   It was a shock to see the white,
heart-shaped face outlined in dark rust partly hidden by sumac
vine.   We has nice views - the long legs, a rusty and gray wing,
the dotted chest.   Our bird had a lot of rusty a the top of the
breast; the way Sibley draws his female Barn Owl.   This was
a life bird for us; in our Atlas block in safe dates.  What could
be sweeter?    Following tradition, we won't post directions
except to say it was in Leakin Park.

Other birds seen included a Chat.   Sibley draws a picture of
it doing an exaggerated up and down flight, tail drooping, when
singing in flight.  We saw a less extreme version of that, before
it perched.  We also saw something strange and unpleasant
between Bluebirds.  There was a baby bird begging in a tree,
which was attacked by an adult.  It was repeatedly pecked, and
they flew up and tussled in the air.  The young bird flew to
another tree, where it was followed by the adult who continued
to peck it.  We didn't know what to make of it.  We didn't see
any other adult Bluebirds around.

Other birds seen and heard included several Orioles, both
Baltimore and Orchard, Indigo Buntings, Common Yellowthroats;
a few White-eyed Vireos, one Warbling Vireo and one
Yellow-throated Vireo.  We didn't get a single Bunting on
May Count, but they are easily found in the Park now.


Elise Kreiss
Baltimore City