- [first lines]
- Gilford Harrison: An Inca tern.The scoundrel abruptly takes up birdwatching and within a month he spots the first Inca tern in all of North America.
- Alastair Plumlee: I wouldn't have believed it had I not been there myself.
- Gilford Harrison: And you just know he's going to wring every last drop out of this discovery.
- Alastair Plumlee: He'll wring everything out of it.
- Gilford Harrison: Lectures, books, guided tours; you name it. He will wring it.
- Alastair Plumlee: He claims Josephine Dawson suddenly agreed to a birdwatching date.
- Gilford Harrison: Josephine Dawson with him!
- [both men laugh]
- Alastair Plumlee: Rose-breasted grosbeak.
- Gilford Harrison: Oh, a fine example, Plumlee. I dare say I caught a glimpse of it a hair before you, even.
- Alastair Plumlee: Nonsense. I'm putting it in my life list. June 17th, 7:45 a.m. rose-breasted grosbeak.
- Gilford Harrison: We can both put it in our life lists, my good man. only I'll mark my sighting down for seven four four a.m.
- Alastair Plumlee: You are a devil. Ooh, look at this fellow.
- Gilford Harrison: Oh dear.
- [last lines]
- Dr. Julia Ogden: Surely you can appreciate the tranquillity of the setting at least.
- Detective William Murdoch: Yes, well it is quiet... and secluded.
- Dr. Julia Ogden: William.
- [they embrace]
- Dr. Julia Ogden: Someone might see us.
- Detective William Murdoch: Mm-hmm.
- [Julia suddenly breaks the embrace]
- Dr. Julia Ogden: Look, William, it's a North American goldfinch! Or is it merely a yellow warbler? Regardless, it's, it's magnificent. Oh, what a thrill! William?