Two days after I wrote about and had noticed an absence of catbirds in my backyard aviary, they showed up – three of them. One must be an offspring. So far they are getting along well, but I don’t think the hen has nested. Catbirds nest a little later than others in my yard. The bluebirds are working on their second batch. Mrs. Blue has been on the nest now for 5 days and three little blues are keeping Mr. Blue quite busy.
For the most part, our catbirds never leave the yard. Last year they nested in a thick hedge behind our house. I assume they will do the same this year, though they were inspecting a thick bush on our fence just last night.
Catbirds are among the friendliest birds in my yard. I can draw within a few feet before they get uncomfortable, then fly a little way off. They hang for the most part near the feeders and they are devouring a peanut suet bar I have put out. But they readily eat sunflower hearts and will peck away at apples when I have one to spare.
They are really neat and interesting birds, beautiful, too. Glad to have them back in the fold.
