I had a surprise visitor in our yard this morning in suburban Bethesda -- a very cooperative Gray-cheeked thrush -- that gave me a nice long look.  It is both a life bird and a yard bird for me.

This was unexpected since, as our neighborhood has been subject to tear-downs and addition of monster homes on small lots, it has become less bird friendly, and the numbers of migrants seem to dwindle each year.  So this sighting still gives hope of other interesting birds to come.

Jim Nelson
Bethesda, MD