Martin Schneider writes:

I'm pleased to announce that the winner of our giveaway for The Bird Catcher by Laura Jacobs is Patricia Fosen of Brooklyn, New York. Her favorite bird is the Black-chinned Hummingbird, who (she is told) "only hums Tchaikovsky." That one is not on my life list!!

Thanks to the many people who entered, and better luck next time to all but Patricia (and sure, luck to her too). There will be other opportunities!

We asked for entrants to name their favorite bird, and you did not disappoint! The statements of avian fondness were delightful. Admired birds ranged from the familiar—Black-capped Chickadee ("highly entertaining at the bird feeder"), American Robin—to the fantastical—the Russet Crowned Motmot, Superb Starling, Bare-Faced Go-Away Bird).

Birds that received multiple mentions include the wren, the pelican, and the cardinal—a New Yorker who mentioned the cardinal said that she's never actually seen one! (You must come out here to the burbs—they're all over the place!) One reader on the west coast cited the wood thrush, saying that he gets to hear its song only when he watches golf tournaments on the east coast.

Finally, one wag mentioned "fried chicken"; another, the "Red-naped Border Tyrant (Customes officialus)." Keep it up—we at Emdashes admire whimsy!