An expected bird in an unexpected site

Short (but exciting) note.  Each October, I hope to finally see my life Black-billed Cuckoo somewhere in Panama.  This migrant becomes fairly regular for a very short period of time during its southward migration in central Panama... the Ancon Hill seemed like the most reliable site; however, year after year somehow I manage to dip on that one!  In fact, exactly three years ago I wrote about this same bird in this blog (check it here).  Well, last friday, September 30th, I was not even thinking on Black-billed Cuckoos (obviously... it was still September!)... I was about to leave my apartment when I noticed something through the balcony... a stylized bird perched on a tree under a light drizzle... I took this picture:

Black-billed Cuckoo

Black bill, red eye-ring, not very evident under tail pattern: BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO!!!  And right at home.  What a great way to begin a weekend: Life bird and my 133th species for my balcony list.

Migrants through the city

October is the peak of the migration season through Panama, time to have your binoculars handy because you never know what to expect.  This last week has been very productive in terms of new species seen from my balcony.  Eastern Wood-Pewee, Eastern Kingbird, Black-and-white, Yellow and Blackburnian Warblers, Red-eyed Vireo, Summer Tanager, Baltimore Oriole, Common Nighthawk, Osprey and Broad-winged Hawk were all new for the balcony list (we moved in july to our apartment).

I also saw a flock of Sulphur-bellied Flycatchers in the hill facing the frontal balcony... can you see how many are in the next photo?

They were a little bit far for photos... but are still recognizable.  Seeing this species surrounded by towers and skyscrapers was special.

Migration can give you a lifer in or near your home... at least that is what I'm hoping for.  One of those long expected lifers, the Black-billed Cuckoo, was seen in the Metropolitan Natural Park last weekend by my good friend Osvaldo Quintero, who kindly shared this photo with me:

Copyright Osvaldo Quintero, used with permission

This park is just 10 minutes away of my apartment... in fact, I can see it from the window!  I'll try this next sunday, who knows, maybe this is THE year!