Dumetella carolinensis – Gray Catbird

Gray Catbirds are in the thrasher family and look like a smaller darker (no white) version of their cousin the “northern mockingbird”. While bored mockingbirds can be rather noisy and mischievous (translated: annoying as hell), the catbirds provide plenty of music while generally staying out of trouble.

I believe the same pair that was here last year has returned to nest in the backyard thickets adjoining me. During nesting season they primarily eat insects (from the ground) but I have noticed that on occasion they will also steal a berry or two and nip a tomato.

It seems like one or both of this pair will take a dip in the pond every evening. At first they were wary and would bolt if I came within direct view regardless of how far away I was; eventually they relaxed and have become comfortable with me in “their” garden.

The link below is to a short slideshow of one of my pair on the “bathing rock” in the well covered corner of the frog pond.

More on catbirds here: http://www.birdweb.org/birdweb/bird/gray_catbird