It may be the colder winter weather, abnormal rain patterns, or just variations between years, but I’ve had several new bird species around my house this winter. Some of them have hung around for a few days and then moved on, while others have shown up for just a day or two. The only ones who have shown up several times, though have been the grey catbirds (Dumetella carolinensis). The first time I saw a catbird was back in mid November. At first, I thought it was just a single bird, but after several days it became apparent that it was a pair. Both were very shy and it took about two weeks for them to come out of the brush to eat at the feeding station. They hung around, eating regularly for another week or so, and then they were gone. Since then, two more single birds have come through the area. Neither stayed long, but this one was pretty outgoing and liked perching on the deck in the afternoon sun. Even though none of them have stuck around long, it’s been great fun getting to see them and watch their behavior, even if it’s only been for a few days at a time. And who knows, maybe they’ll swing back by for a few days on their spring migrations.

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