Watch the Birdie!

[Cap'n Rick]

Ahoy Muggles!

I know it sounds oxymoronic, but "Happy May Day", everyone!

When I'm not out on the high seas catching (or telling ) whoppers, I occasionally like to do a little birdwatching - particularly this time of year when the migrations get underway. I also enjoy feeding birds in the backyard, and I even work part-time at a Wild Birds Unlimited. I guess you could say I'm a bit of a "bird nerd". And that brings us to today's meta puzzle where I'm looking for a common bird. In addition to my regular "flock" of testers , I also asked fellow bird lovers @LadyBird, @Wendy Walker, and @Bob cruise director to take a look. But don't worry, you don't have to be an avid birder to recognize this bird. It's really very common.

The meta answer is a common bird.

Watch the Birdie! - Crosshare

Watch the Birdie! - PUZ

Watch the Birdie! - PDF

Watch the Birdie! - Spreadsheet




Difficulty:

@Abide wanted a harder meta to balance out what should be a relatively-easy MGWCC this week.

Nudges are here.
Solution is here.

Good luck!
Cap'n Rick

P.S. If you haven't done so already, please check out Contest Crosswords Combating Cancer (CCCC). Will Pfadenhauer (aka @AnswerPfinder) has done an excellent job coordinating and compiling 16 special meta puzzles from 18 constructors (including yours truly) to raise money for cancer-related charities. The suggested donation is $13, but you can donate any amount you'd like to any cancer-related 501(c)(3) organization. Check it out! I know you're going to love it!

[Schmeel]

Off the couch.
Good meta - I found it to be a bit tricky.
Thanks for the puzzle!

[schmidzy]

Fun one! My partner spotted this before me — I'd still be scratching my head on the couch for the rest of the day if it wasn't for her.

[Meg]

Thanks, Cap'n Rick. Nice start to the week.
OTC

[ajk]

Fun stuff, thanks. Slight initial wobble before I remembered to do what I was told.

[Cinny]

Off the couch!! Very nice meta to start my week. Just tricky enough! Thanks, Cap'n Rick.

[lbray53]

OTC. Fun meta. I made a head scratcher out of it for a bit.

[CPJohnson]

Thanks, Cap’n Rick! Took a few wrong paths, but finally found the right one.

[Darth]

OTC! I got it... well, based on Do you think I'd really say? haha -- but I NOW got it the more obvious way... and how it was supposed to be gotten!

[MatthewL]

Off the couch! What a great meta! Thanks for the puzzle!

[hoover]

I thought I was on the right track, but ... don't bird names usually have at least one vowel?

[ChrisKochmanski]

OTC! With help. Good one. Thanks, Cap’n!

[dudeski]

OTC

[whimsy]

I had to go back to some test solving messages to prompt my memory.
But am now off the bench, Cap'n, to go hang with all the other buoys & gulls. ?

[rjy]

Off the couch, thanks to a nudge that identified a grid error. I had the correct answer, but the Cap'n was seemingly looking for a different correct answer... finally found it. Good puzzle, Cap'n!

[Ergcat]

Off the couch!

[Dow Jones]

Off the couch. Thanks, Cap'n Rick for a fun grid/good clueing. Very creative.

[HeadinHome]

FINALLY bagged this bird, after a loooong time stalking it.

[SJMcK]

I thought I was on the right track, but ... don't bird names usually have at least one vowel?

I think I’m in the same boat as you

[MikeyG]

This puzzle is for the...well, you know.