Post by murraybrown on Sept 1, 2008 12:12:59 GMT -8
As I have indicated previously I have had the occasional sighting of Gray Catbird along Maria Slough over the last two seasons. Both Gord and I have speculated over the possibility of breeding by these birds. So on Sat. Aug. 30 I was pleased to finally find evidence that they do breed in that area.
As I stepped out of my truck, I heard an unfamiliar chattering coming from a Red Osier Dogwood bush. I maneuvered around until I finally got a clear view of an Adult and a juvenile catbird sitting side by side on a horizontal limb. I was quite close and clearly saw the two tufts of natal down and the wide gape of the bill on the juvie. It was still quite small and obviously had only recently fledged the nest.
One of the advantages of birding a particular area on a regular basis is that you start to get a handle on the birds that can otherwise be very easily missed. Such as these catbirds.
I've been seeing more Western Tanagers and Warbling Vireos over the last few days than I have ever seen any year that I can remember.
Whereas warblers have been few and far between. A couple of Wilson's and a MacGillivray, and that's about it. I find it strange how they can be so abundant in one part of the valley and so few elsewhere.
Murray Brown
As I stepped out of my truck, I heard an unfamiliar chattering coming from a Red Osier Dogwood bush. I maneuvered around until I finally got a clear view of an Adult and a juvenile catbird sitting side by side on a horizontal limb. I was quite close and clearly saw the two tufts of natal down and the wide gape of the bill on the juvie. It was still quite small and obviously had only recently fledged the nest.
One of the advantages of birding a particular area on a regular basis is that you start to get a handle on the birds that can otherwise be very easily missed. Such as these catbirds.
I've been seeing more Western Tanagers and Warbling Vireos over the last few days than I have ever seen any year that I can remember.
Whereas warblers have been few and far between. A couple of Wilson's and a MacGillivray, and that's about it. I find it strange how they can be so abundant in one part of the valley and so few elsewhere.
Murray Brown
