Excellent breakdown and images of the Gray Catbird, James. I did not know the translated meaning of their Latin name and it perfectly appropriate! I like their varied calls and mewing and chatting. Sometimes it almost sounds like they're having an imaginary conversation with themselves. They're another overlooked and underappreciated bird that I have come to enjoy seeing more and more the past few years. Thanks for sharing.
I love catbirds. Recently we've had one in our yard and he does sound remarkably like a cat. And the other day I heard one mimicking. It almost sounds like a mockingbird but not as fast or as repetitive. They are beautiful birds. Their gray is elegant not drab.
I love when Catbirds stop in my garden, especially as they are one of very few birds I've seen eating the dreaded Japanese Beetle. On the other hand, I use insect netting, never bird netting, to cover my strawberries and blueberries once they start to turn ripe until I'm tired of picking, because the Catbirds will leave me none. Happy to share once I'm tired of picking, though. 😄
I continually appreciate that you shine the light on more “ordinary” birds. I’ve been pretty occupied outside of Substack lately, and when I cleaned out my email inbox I noticed many of your essays that I have been saving for some blissful bird reading ✨
I had a sour cherry tree. As soon as the cherries began to turn orange, the catbirds would arrive and eat. I got the bottom of the tree as they got the top. I love their cloud gray color.
They are my favorite mimid. They are everywhere here and I never tire of them. And just when you think they're gray, they flash that tawny underside. Surprise! They always sound slightly drunk to me. Rambling and incoherent, mimicking, but poorly. But also not caring.
Beautiful photos, James. Especially love the close up, mouth wide open. Thank you for spreading the Catbird love.
Excellent breakdown and images of the Gray Catbird, James. I did not know the translated meaning of their Latin name and it perfectly appropriate! I like their varied calls and mewing and chatting. Sometimes it almost sounds like they're having an imaginary conversation with themselves. They're another overlooked and underappreciated bird that I have come to enjoy seeing more and more the past few years. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Neil. I try not to anthropomorphize too much, I still do, but when I hear a catbird I can’t help but ascribe human emotions to the sounds.
I love catbirds. Recently we've had one in our yard and he does sound remarkably like a cat. And the other day I heard one mimicking. It almost sounds like a mockingbird but not as fast or as repetitive. They are beautiful birds. Their gray is elegant not drab.
Elegant and not drab indeed. The black cap, too! Thank you for reading, Melanie.
The Gray Catbird is my absolute fave! Sort of reminds me of the R2D2 sounds on star wars! Such a fun and quirky little birdie!
Love it. I will keep my ears open for a catbird, tho I’ve not yet seen one
Those little yellow warblers almost don’t look real 😃
I hope you see one soon, Teyani! The warblers are definitely so beautiful they test the limits of reality.
That close up of the catbird's open mouth is fantastic!
Thank you Alice!
This is the bird that got me into birding 💞 always a favorite
A wonderful spark bird. Thank you for reading.
I love them for how curious and daring they are. When I walk through the woods, they land on nearby branches and call at me.
They definitely are not way of us.
I love when Catbirds stop in my garden, especially as they are one of very few birds I've seen eating the dreaded Japanese Beetle. On the other hand, I use insect netting, never bird netting, to cover my strawberries and blueberries once they start to turn ripe until I'm tired of picking, because the Catbirds will leave me none. Happy to share once I'm tired of picking, though. 😄
Catbirds! Never saw one. I love their big round bellies. That photo of her spreading her wings is absolutely spectacular.
Thank you very much, Sharron. They are such special birds.
What a dynamic species, thanks for this introduction to them!
Thank you, Darcy! I appreciate you taking the time to read.
I continually appreciate that you shine the light on more “ordinary” birds. I’ve been pretty occupied outside of Substack lately, and when I cleaned out my email inbox I noticed many of your essays that I have been saving for some blissful bird reading ✨
Thank you Emma. I hope you enjoy the essays and that they provide some avian bliss! Appreciate you reading.
I had a sour cherry tree. As soon as the cherries began to turn orange, the catbirds would arrive and eat. I got the bottom of the tree as they got the top. I love their cloud gray color.
Sounds like you had a great relationship with the catbirds! Thank you for reading, Amy.
Love this - birds don't have to be bright and colourful to be interesting. We don't have catbirds in my country, but they look like such characters!
They are my favorite mimid. They are everywhere here and I never tire of them. And just when you think they're gray, they flash that tawny underside. Surprise! They always sound slightly drunk to me. Rambling and incoherent, mimicking, but poorly. But also not caring.
Beautiful photos, James. Especially love the close up, mouth wide open. Thank you for spreading the Catbird love.