As June comes to a close, the pursuit of 500 bird species is effectively on hold at 414.  The month has been spent mostly watching Chip the cat whip the man cubs into shape.  He does much of his coaching from the dining room table.

Like a battle-hardened drill sergeant, Chip makes sure Henry pushes Owen safely around the house.  Chip fancies himself as the 'law and order' cat.

Chip has been teaching Henry how to play with cat toys.  Here, Henry demonstrates his ability to play with his truck and fish for cats at the same time.  Chip is a big believer in multi-tasking.

And, Chip has been sharing the finer points of enjoying a good catnip high with Henry.

One of Chip's favorite exercises is to soak up the Florida sunshine while taking his turn at keeping a watchful eye on the man cubs.

Henry enjoys his opportunities to slip away from Chip's heavy hand to spend time at the pool.  Here, he was able to talk three young ladies into letting him borrow their 'boat'.  I don't know who taught Henry that skill.

At the end of another busy day, the man cubs are thankful for some peace and quiet...

... as Chip takes a break to do what cats do best.

A two-day whirlwind tour of southern Michigan bumped the year-to-date count by eleven to 412. 

Blackburnian, Chestnut-sided, Blue-winged and Cerulean warblers, all new to the 2024 list, were observed but without great photo opportunities.  We saw 95 total species during the two days.

Nearly extinct 50 years ago, the Kirtland's Warbler offered great looks after some patience.  I met another birder who currently stands at #5 on eBird for most species observed in the U.S. this year.  He got a good picture from about 50 yards away and suggested that might be the best picture to be had given the challenge of not being able to leave the road.  The warblers' nesting areas are protected.  Happily, this one decided to explore a tree right in front me.  So, I don't have his count but I do have a much better picture.

The Black Terns I first observed in Texas a month ago have arrived in the north country for summer.  This time I got good looks at one of the local sewage lagoons.  Yes, sewage lagoons can be excellent spots for birding.

Baltimore Orioles were among the many species tending to nests.  This oriole's nest is like a small, woven hanging basket.  Both the male and female were hustling to bring caterpillars to the nest.

Tomorrow begins the dash back to Key West.  Apparently, baby-sitting duty resumes on Tuesday.  The best approach seems to be that we take care of Henry and Henry takes care of little brother Owen.

400

Upon learning about more delays with moving into our new house last Thursday, we did the only thing we could do... we headed to Cincinnati on Friday to visit my mom.  And, to continue the pursuit of 500 species in 2024.

Saturday morning found us in the Sandhills Wildlife Refuge of South Carolina with three target birds.  I have been waiting for a chance to photograph a Bob White quail for four years.  I finally got my chance.  Not a great chance.  But a chance.

Next, the diminutive Acadian Flycatcher.

 

And, the endangered Red-Cockaded Woodpecker.  This is another species that has declined as a result of habitat loss.  Its white cheeks distinguish it from similar species such as Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers.  So, we were 3 for 3 at this stop.

Later that afternoon, I picked up #400 at Seven Islands Park near Knoxville, TN.  The Field Sparrow isn't anything to get excited about but, every one counts.

Today, it's on to Michigan in search of nesting warblers.  One thing I am realizing about being retired is there are no days off.  You have to be retired every day.  Frankly, it's exhausting.  More soon from Michigan.