Adult Gray Catbird with a berry in its bill – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
On April 2nd in a canyon in some mountains of the West Desert of Utah I heard a familiar call, the mewing call of a Gray Catbird while I was looking for birds to photograph. It was just two brief calls but they were clear enough for me to say “Catbird” bird out loud.
On that trip out to the West Desert I was so focused on photographing Wild Turkeys including getting better photos of a smoke phase hen that I nearly forgot about hearing those two catbird calls. That is until I went back to the same area and heard the calls of a Gray Catbird again on April 10th.
It is early to be seeing or hearing Gray Catbirds here in northern Utah but I am confident that I head what I heard. I’d know that mew call anywhere so I am counting it as my first of year Gray Catbird even though I never laid eyes on the bird.
I photographed the adult Gray Catbird in the photo above in a canyon in the Wasatch Mountains in June of 2018. The catbird was feasting on Black Twinberry berries near a creek next to a dirt road.
I know that before long Gray Catbirds will be singing on top of shrubs, bushes and trees to attract mates for the breeding season, I just hope I’ll be able to get out and photograph them.
Life is good. Stay safe.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Gray Catbird photos plus facts and information about this species.
Great pic! I love the composition and, of course, the detail in this “older” shot. I figure if you couldn’t find the Catbird you heard…no one could. Better luck next week. Thanks Mia and Happy Easter.
Your eagle eyes and ears serve you (and us) well.
I hope you can see the catbirds (among others) very soon.
Beautiful shot! Excellent timing to catch the Catbird with the berry in it’s bill.
Cool photos, Mia