This was – finally! – my first of year Gray Catbird last week, and it took a lot of work to even get these photos of this shy bird. While Gray Catbirds are often a bit secretive, less so than their relative the Brown Thrasher, I can usually get them to pop up for a moment or chat with me more than this bird wanted to. I really had to lighten these photos of it in the shadows.
It did not mind going right over my head, peering down at me while giving that cautious eye. However, many more of the species will be pouring through the Northeast for the next few weeks. We will all have our chances to see them hopping through the tangles and thickets, meowing away. I hope I have a local nest to enjoy this spring.
Scott Kruitbosch
Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
