Perky adult Gray Catbird – Nikon D500, f8, 1/800, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The month of May is nearly upon us and for me that means it is time to start looking and listening for my first of year Gray Catbird. Typically I find Gray Catbirds at higher elevations in the mountains here in northern Utah. I see them most often in the Wasatch Mountains that are close to home but I also find them in the sky island mountains of the West Desert.
During the early part of their breeding season I often hear these black-capped, gray birds before I see them. I love to hear them sing and call. Also, during the breeding season these normally skulky birds spend more time perched out in the open where I can photograph them easily.
There are times when I am listening to Gray Catbirds calling that I get the giggles because those calls can be so insistent. It is challenging to stay still enough to take sharp photos when I am giggling.
This perky adult Gray Catbird was photographed last spring high in the Wasatch Mountains during an interaction with another bird.
Gray Catbirds aren’t flashy birds but I adore them, their calls and watching them go about their lives. I can barely wait until I see and hear my first of year catbirds. I have one more day of dreary, cloudy weather to get through and then I can head back out into the field to search for them and all the other birds that are migrating into northern Utah.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Gray Catbird photos plus facts and information about this species.
Enjoyed the links to many more images and even the ‘mew’ call too. Thanks!
Love how you managed to get just a hint of his russet behind. I manage to get butt shots, but they are not attractive, and don’t do justice to this well-tailored bird 🙂
Giggles are always welcome – even when they impinge on your photography.
Thank you for these (very sharp) shots of the charmer.