Young Gray Catbird
The last of our fledglings are finding their way out of the nest now as September nears. This Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) will have to start forging a path in the world shortly, deciding how far south it has to fly in order to survive. It is a difficult choice – migration is the most dangerous part of a bird’s life, and minimizing it is optimal. However, you may end up facing a much harsher winter with frigid temperatures, snowfall, and less food than a more distant tropical climate. Decisions…
Read MoreGray Catbird
This Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) certainly has the right idea here, picking out the most beautiful foraging place in all the land (or along the side of this road) to stop for a snack. The urban location made it all but certain this is a migrant individual, and let us hope it finds a yard with similar scenery…maybe even near you!
Read MoreGray Catbird
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...
Read MoreGray Catbirds Coming
We will soon be inundated by the deceptive and incorrect sound of felines as the Gray Catbird returns in full force to our neighborhoods across America. They really have about as literal a common name as any bird. Apart from their gray bodies and black cap you can also see a hint of the rusty-colored feathers under these bird’s tails. Meow to you, too.
Read MoreGray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) nest
“Robin’s egg blue”? No, this is actually the first egg in a Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) nest.
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