Playback sucks

Swainson’s Thrush Catharus ustulatus

Red Fox Vulpes vulpes

Groundhog Marmota monax with Groundpiglets

Northern Raccoon Procyon lotor

  Went for a late morning ramble at the cemetery with Dan, to show him the Clay-colored Sparrow, which dzeeped away obligingly. The local Winter Wrens weren't so kind to us, Dan will have to wait to check one off his list - not sure how he's gotten this far in life without seeing one, heh heh. We also got leisurely looks at a confiding Swainson's Thrush. Most warblers have moved on, besides some nesting American Redstarts.
  No Black-billed Cuckoo sightings today. Again, I suspect this may have something to do with daily early-morning playback sessions by photogs. Folks need to remember that to a pair of birds trying to breed, full-volume and incessant territorial song is the equivalent of some super-human voice blaring: "I'M GONNA STEAL YOUR WIFE AND TAKE OVER YOUR HOUSE, FUCK OFF OUT OF HERE!" inside your skull repeatedly. I'm wondering if the pair has cleared off in search of more peaceful habitat.
  On the way out, an Olive-sided Flycatcher was spotted in the area being ripped up by the north entrance. Oh, there was a Red Fox on Pine Hill Side a few days ago.