Saturday, August 01, 2009

Raucous Welcome: Gray Catbirds


Upon arriving home one evening this week I was greeted by a highly agitated pair of Gray Catbirds. Swooping about my head, landing on the ground within inches of my feet and also on the deck railing; all the while calling loudly. The catbirds set up quite a commotion.

I have seen this behavior before and each time there was a fledgling on the ground nearby. This time I did not stop to find the fledgling but instead hurried in to the grab the camera.

I returned to the porch with the camera while the Catbirds continued their tirade at a slightly greater distance.



At one point both flew into the evergreen and sat momentarily screaming directly at each other allowing me to capture this image of the birds interacting. The still image captures their position but appears more as if they are carrying on a quiet conversation or perhaps pausing for a friendly kiss.

I cannot be sure of what triggered their behavior in this incident as I failed to locate a fledgling but I do feel certain that one was near.

For more Critters of all kinds visit our friend Misty at her
CAMERA CRITTERS BLOG


15 comments:

Carletta said...

I had a little house wren do the same thing the other day. Amazing how protective they can be.
Lovely shots!
Maybe the fledging had indeed gone and they were celebrating being empty-nesters with a kiss. :)

Congrats on the three year anniversary!

i beati said...

Always look like they are in a heated discussion sk

imac said...

Prompt action Coy was well worth the effort.
Great captures.

Iowa Gardening Woman said...

Great shots. We have catbirds every summer, they are so much fun to watch and listen to.

Adrienne Zwart said...

Great captures, Coy. I love their slate-gray color.

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

Fantastic pictures.I like the last one,it does look like a quick kiss,but then pictues can be decieving.
Blessings,Ruth

Carrie said...

Great shots and story, thanks for sharing, happy crittering.

Carrie said...

Great shots and story, thanks for sharing, happy crittering.

Dirkjogt said...

Again great bird shots. My congratulations for three years C.C., during which you have shown us many great pictures.

Elaine said...

Wonderful shots! I especially like the shot of the pair. Just like an old married couple having a bit of a spirited discussion.....

Kerri Farley said...

Oh, I do love the sounds these guys make! Great captures!

Montanagirl said...

Terrific photos! I especially like the last one.

Tom said...

These chance sightings such as this do pay dividends... what a great posting this is..
I wish to invite you over to the Three Stags Head Inn for a beer...;O) but only if you have time Salty.

Tom
My blogs today show the Three Stags Heads Inn and 2 Magpies On A Bench

Unknown said...

Lovely birds with nice lines..the post is simply great...
BTW I have got a very smart goat...if you wish you can say hi to him @ "Click!"

Misty DawnS said...

The Catbird was one of my grandfather's (he raised me since the age of two) favorite birds. Now, whenever I see one, I can't help but feel like he's with me.