One can't help, on the First of September, to start getting in a fall mindset. The sunlight has dropped off noticeably in the morning. The temperature seems to be easing (although in North Carolina that's hardly permanent!). And some of our birds are moving out for their winter grounds. One of our earliest departures is the Gray Catbird. Last summer I photographed my last Catbird on August 20th, and this year the last sighting was on the 18th. I don't know if our Catbirds head for the coast, where they are seen year-round, or Central America, but in either case they are well on their way. The Catbirds have been entertaining summer guests. Not long after they arrive in April they clear out my Mahonia bushes of berries, and then they proceed to gorge themselves on suet until the youngsters are on their own. And I will miss that distinctive "meow" call Catbirds make. A fond farewell, my friends. We'll see you next spring!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
The End of the Short Catbird Summer
One can't help, on the First of September, to start getting in a fall mindset. The sunlight has dropped off noticeably in the morning. The temperature seems to be easing (although in North Carolina that's hardly permanent!). And some of our birds are moving out for their winter grounds. One of our earliest departures is the Gray Catbird. Last summer I photographed my last Catbird on August 20th, and this year the last sighting was on the 18th. I don't know if our Catbirds head for the coast, where they are seen year-round, or Central America, but in either case they are well on their way. The Catbirds have been entertaining summer guests. Not long after they arrive in April they clear out my Mahonia bushes of berries, and then they proceed to gorge themselves on suet until the youngsters are on their own. And I will miss that distinctive "meow" call Catbirds make. A fond farewell, my friends. We'll see you next spring!
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