Last photo from this morning first. The four Gray Catbird nestlings were still doing well this morning. A peaceful bunch!!
For the first time ever a pair of Gray Catbirds, a species in the Mimidae family, has built a nest next to our house, in a mountain pine right beside our porch. Catbirds prefer dense tangles of shrubs, or small trees. The dense jungle of long needles in a a mugo pine seemed to be the right fit for this pair building their nest . I was on a business trip last week when the young catbirds hatched, but have used my camera ever since my return to document every day in their young life. The adult birds are very tolerant but nevertheless I use utmost caution when I make an image of the nest and its habitants. As always, the safety of the birds comes first. I limit my time shooting through the branches to a few seconds and use a long lens whenever possible to make an image. For photos like used in this little story, I do not hesitate to crop the picture, just to keep a safe distance and the birds unexcited about my presence while documenting their life.
May 30, 2022, two eggs were already in the nest, two more would follow within the next days.
The incubation of the eggs is done by the female but both parents feed the young buggers in the nest. The adults are relatively quiet during this time and their unique “mew” call, just like a cat, is heard more muted. They can do other songs as well, and if you are really interested the following link will give you a lot more details about this bird species and the calls they perform. https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Gray_Catbird/overview
June 18, 2022, Joan discovered them a day before my arrival back home. The young birds are brooded by the female for the first few days.
Friends and followers of my blog, I’m sorry for a long break here, but my work assignments didn’t allow for spending time in front of the computer. I tried at least to be behind the camera whenever I had a chance. I’m always grateful that you take the time to look at my photography and give me your input about it, or the nature of my subjects!!
Beside the exciting moments in life of our Gray Catbirds another story was unfolding… Please stay tuned if you enjoy nature and/or photography as part of your life…!!!
June 19, 2022, The four young catbirds sleep for most of the day and keep their eyes closed. Yawning is the photographers moment!
June 20, 2022, An adult approaching carefully the nest with two snacks in its beak, a caterpillar and another bug. Good times…!!!