# 34, better late than never

This is my 34th species of yard bird to be blipped this year - a gray catbird.  They usually arrive at about the same time as the hummingbirds, the last week of April.  And, right on schedule this spring, the first one appeared quietly in the yard.  In short order there were about a half dozen of them who had settled in for the summer.  I expect to be seeing fledgling catbirds fairly soon as these birds nest early and will go for three broods during most summers.

Gray catbirds are sleek, elegant member of the mimic thrush (mimidae) family, which include mockingbirds and thrashers.  They are known for their cat-like "meow" call which they use loudly and often.  They are a soft gray with a black cap and a rufus undertail.  And, they love a good bath.  Even though it was rainy today, this one had just had an exuberant and joyful session in the birdbath on the patio.  I'll pop a shot in Extra showing a dryer, more elegant looking catbird.

The patio was overrun with chipmunks and gray squirrels this morning .. except for a brief time when the fox made his rounds.  Even now, with rain coming down by the bucketloads, there is a squirrel sitting in the birdfeeder, scarfing down seeds as fast as she can.  She's also taught her two juvenile delinquent kids how to raid the feeders...

Moths have been a favorite item on the menu today for the  bluebirds - both parents have been seen with beaks full of fuzzy moth..  I'm dying to check the wren box to see if the 7th egg hatched, but don't dare open the top of the box today - too rainy and the babies are still totally naked and susceptible to chill.  

MIL is over for Sunday dinner, a routine we've gotten into in the last few months.  She's having some coffee now and watching the birds through the window and later we'll settle her in the living room for some "Golden Girls" on the TV, a show she enjoys and one that doesn't require her to follow the plot.  

Speaking of parents, I had a nice long talk with mine this morning.  They are enjoying some nice weather in Portland at the moment, so were getting ready to head out and do some geo-caching and walking.  

TTFN, people.
xo
Debbi