The catbirds will be leaving soon. It’s always sad to see them go, but quite the privilege to know we had a small role in providing a relatively undisturbed space for raising young. I caught a nice glimpse of this young one bouncing from limb to limb with a house sparrow. The house sparrow looked pretty young too. I think they were playing. 
Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
The catbirds have been very busy in our yard this year. Since they are generally not so easy to observe, getting to see them so much this year has been a real treat. This one had a little scuffle with a robin, thus the body fluff. They worked it out. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
I love their colors, their sounds, and their curiosity. I can always see them out of the corner of my eye watching me as I walk along the hedges in the yard. I know where the nest is and take care to avoid it. I look forward to seeing little catbirds soon! Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
A female cardinal watches the sunrise. A sparrow peeks out at me. A mockingbird takes aim at a starling and takes over the fencepost. Click on pictures to enlarge.
Click on pictures to enlarge.
It’s been wonderful watching the progress of all the families living in and around our backyard. I think we have a catbird pair building a nest back there now. I watched one come flying in carrying nest materials, including a plastic bag. I wish people would think about the consequences of throwing their garbage every which way. Click on pictures to enlarge.