I kept hearing a 'noise' this evening in a tree that sounded like somebody was squeezing the daylights out of a baby kitten. As I moved closer to the tree I could see bird activity but no camera with me.
The bird was up fairly high in the tree & appears to be a dark gray, about the size of a tufted titmouse but all the dark gray color.
Anybody have any suggestion as to what bird to look for in order to identify it as I don't have a clue.
Thanks in advance
Jan
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Jan, a catbird.......no kidding, a catbird .
Zone 5
To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
Iris--I thought catbirds were bigger--more like a robin in size.
Jan, I would say a catbird also, and not as big as a robin.
catbird it is, this youtube sounds just like it -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2d7SaOLQPlg
One more question--don't they bother bluebirds & their nests?
I don't know, never seen nor heard one and apparent JB the forever foster dog hasn't either, he was up on the edge of the table turning his head from side to side with his brow all furrowed like he was worried sick. LOL That was too funny.
-Deloris
jaowl_IA_zn5: One more question--don't they bother bluebirds & their nests?
Sorry, Jan, I don't know that answer either. I don't think I've ever really seen a catbird but my friend describe one in her backyard to me. I understand they are quite sleek looking.
Well, the video made my dog come trotting in here, growling but the cat that sleeps on the corner of the desk, right in front of the monitor, when I'm on the computer, got up, stretched, turned in a circle & laid back down. What's wrong with this picture ? LOL
No, catbirds do not bother bluebirds...they are a lot like robins...don't harm anything.
There is a pair nesting in my neighbors Burning Bush (they do this every year) & their regular fly zone/territory seems to be from the nest through my yard & into my other neighbors dense bush.
They do the cat screech every now & again when one of us is in our backyard. Have seen them chase/fly at Cardinals, Nuthatches,Sparrows, Titmice, Woodpeckers but they have stopped short of trying to scare off the Robins.
And (I believe) I've watched them actually defend & protect a fledgling Robin or two even though they look much smaller than the baby Robin? What has started to interest me is the intelligence of these birds. I have recently begun to spoil the nesting Catbirds.
Might be wrong but I feel they can identify the words cherries & worms...?...as well as stay, go & no? If I use body language it seems even more effective? They are said to be great at mimicing other birds & sounds but usually I just hear them do a weird concoction of songs & sounds or that infamous cat screech.
I've only seen a BB here once & that was at the height of Winter. Carolina Wrens seem to ignore the Catbird screech or other intimidation techniques as the CW's also come & go freely. The Catbirds originally gave the visiting hummingbirds a hard time; they have since learned that is not an option for them.
They think of our yards as home. I've almost stepped on this bird several times as it scurries under my feet when I'm watering.
They seem to like the freshly pitted & chopped cherries & meal worms I put out for them. Occasionally they will even sing a song after I bring out food & the song is not half bad considering their other melodies:-)
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