The Catbirds are Here!

April 17, 2012.  A big day at Cary BirdCam.  That would be the day our first Gray Catbird appeared for the usual short catbird season (ends in August.)  And I am virtually certain one of our past guests was the first I spotted, because that bird was puzzling over an empty suet basket.  Those rascally catbirds were major suet predators last year!  And they even arrived in time to sack some of the Leatherleaf Mahonia berries they also appear to love--while those last.  I may sack the nasty shrubs this year.  Whatever else, catbirds provide great entertainment value and make the summer go down just a little more easily.  Glad to see 'em!