What kind of bird is this?

[Lakesrider]

I know this will get moved to the Wildlife forum, but figured I'd try here first...

I have a pair of these in my yard building a nest. They are not afraid of me at all. They will fly and land land right next to me like I wasn't there. Sounds a bit like a baby crying when they call out to each other. Almost like a Blue Jay, but not as harsh or loud...

Gray with a black crest....

Thanks, Just wondering...

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e233/midgetmgb/IMG_0936.jpg

[Jonas Pilot]

Could be a "Cat Bird".

[Pineedles]

MEOW! Does this give you a clue?

[fatlazyless]

Depends...does it go meow....meow...meow..... making it a cat-bird or does it go moo...moo...moo...making it a cow-bird?

[Lakesrider]

Thanks. I looked up Cat Bird online. Exactly what it is. I knew you guys would know.
I was just amazed at how unafraid they were of me.....I bet I could get them to eat out of my hand if I Got some beetles, or moths....:D

[Quilt Lady]

The catbird is a close relative of the mockingbird and is able to make many different songs but not as precise as the mockingbird. They are fun to have around even if they do their own versions of other birds songs.

[Chickie]

I agree that cat birds are fun to have around. We used to have high cedar hedges next to our driveway and they returned for many years to nest in them. Their antics were a delight and so amusing. They sometimes drove our cats as well as ourselves crazy, as they left us wondering whether it was a cat in distress or one of our fine feathered guests just teasing us. I'm sure you will enjoy having them around if they decide to nest on your property this year. They are one of my favorite birds.

[Eagle]

I had one bugging me when I was working on my shed a few years ago. It sat in the bushes and made all kinds of noises. Even imitated the sound of my hammer. So I got out my tape recorder and recorded him. Then I played the tape back through a loudspeaker and just about drove that bird crazy. It was a lot of fun to watch.:D

[Pepper]

There's a pair that return to nest in my yard every year. They provide endless amusement. :)

[Rattlesnake Gal]

Your catbird looks a bit different than the ones we have in southern NH. ;)

http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:LxgEuM8s9zoStM:http://windblowing.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/5_catbird.jpg

They are wonderful birds that really entertain. I haven't seen one yet on the island.

[Slickcraft]

Your catbird looks a bit different than the ones we have in southern NH. ;)

http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:LxgEuM8s9zoStM:http://windblowing.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/5_catbird.jpg

They are wonderful birds that really entertain. I haven't seen one yet on the island.

That would be a "flatland" catbird. ;)

[Airedale1]

Could be a "Cat Bird".

It is. It's a Gray Catbird, nice capture.

[Quilt Lady]

Your catbird looks a bit different than the ones we have in southern NH. ;)

http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:LxgEuM8s9zoStM:http://windblowing.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/5_catbird.jpg



Another "milk through the nose" moment!!!!!

[SIKSUKR]

That would be a "flatland" catbird. ;)

That flatlander catbird has moxie.

[VtSteve]

I had guessed bald eagle

[Chickie]

Requesting an update on the catbird, Lakesider. Did the happy couple finish building their nest and have a family? If so, are the young still in the nest or have they flown off into the world? Would be interested in a comprehensive status report

The Orioles who made their home here, left their nest last Thursday and are gone from the area. I understand that once the little ones take flight, the family moves to another area, usually where there is more meadowland. I will probably not see them again until next spring. In the meantime I have a resident Mockingbird who is keeping me entertained. He is a very chatty little fellow - definitely a morning person, who begins his cheerful songs at the crack of dawn and carries on until at least mid morning. He is not as vocal as the day goes on. Quite a character and I am happy he has chosen to make his home here this year.

[Lakesrider]

Well.... I still see them around. Has no problem hopping right by me about a foot or so away and checking out what I am doing in the yard. I see them flying in and out of a large arborvitae tree, so if there is a nest it has to be in there, but it is pretty high up and very thick so I can't see in there.
But to answer...yes they are still here. I'll try to get another picture...:D