Two big announcements for SWAMP KAT -
1) this mangy beast is now part of our family, the first dog in my life since 1993. I grew up with fleas, worms, and dogs -- my dad use to babysit me by putting me in the playpen with his litter of doberman puppies. My mom said my first attempts at communication was growling....
2) "My name is Joe and I am addicted to buying houses". I thought I had it beat but my enabler Chris, and I signed a Purchase Agreement on this Lake Michigan Abode. All those distant birds spotted last year from the Lair is where Lilly is sitting on the ice -- Portage Bay where the creek empties into Lake Michigan. The house is the one directly above her head. While I cannot claim that I will top last years effort I suspect that any loss of quantity will be replaced by quality (i.e. Franklin's Gull and Little Gull were near this spot last year). I promise no more Calidris, Podiceps, or Pluvaris sp.
The only saving grace for my yard birding pals is the house needs A LOT of work and it is unlikely it will be occupied until late in the year. So like a Peregrine trying to hunt a flock of shorebirds my focus will be split, which almost guarantees a divided (but hopefully not conquered) Swamp Kat.
Thanks for the kudos for 2010 -- I really had a lot of fun passing out free cans of whip-poor-ass-Caleb. I love you guys.