Summer Gray Catbird perched on a stick, Wasatch Mountains, Summit County, UtahSummer Gray Catbird perched on a stick – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Yesterday morning I spent part of my time in the Wasatch Mountains focused on a Gray Catbird searching for ripe honeysuckle berries. The catbirds have young now and in between foraging for food for their chicks they need to find food for themselves too. Black Twinberry Honeysuckle berries are easy pickings for the adult catbirds because they are ripe and juicy. The sugars in the berries provide the adults with the energy they need to take care of their 2 to 6 chicks.

This adult Gray Catbird was perched above a clump of the honeysuckles after it had already foraged for the berries yesterday morning.

Excited Gray Catbird flashing its tail, Wasatch Mountains, Summit County, UtahExcited Gray Catbird flashing its tail – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I don’t know what got the catbird so excited that it flashed its tail but I enjoyed getting a photo that showed this behavior. Right after this image was taken this catbird flew down to the shore of the creek to look for food for its young on the creek bank. I was able to see it pick up small insects before it flew away with the food in its bill.

Ripe Black Twinberry Honeysuckle berries, Wasatch Mountains, Summit County, UtahRipe Black Twinberry Honeysuckle berries – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 500, -0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

The ripe Black Twinberry Honeysuckle berries don’t last long on the shrubs. The catbirds eat them quickly and so do American Robins, Cedar Waxwings, and other fruit eating birds. In a matter of days all of the ripened honeysuckle berries will be gobbled up and will provide nourishment for the adults as they scramble to rear their young.

This honeysuckle photo was taken yesterday morning.

Blooming Black Twinberry Honeysuckle close up, Wasatch Mountains, Summit County, UtahBlooming Black Twinberry Honeysuckle close up – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 500, -0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

This image of the same clump of Black Twinberry Honeysuckle in bloom was taken on June 1st. It doesn’t take very long for the honeysuckle berries to form, ripen, and be eaten.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Gray Catbird photos plus facts and information about this species. Click here to see more of my wildflower photos along with shrubs and trees.