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Grey Catbird


Grey Catbird
Photo Information
Copyright: Lise Villeneuve (lise) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 184 W: 51 N: 560] (2819)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-07-07
Categories: Birds
Camera: Canon EOS 30 D, Canon EF 100-400 f/4.5-5.6L IS USM, B+W 77mm MRC Slim UV Filter
Exposure: f/5.6, 1/100 seconds
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2008-07-13 9:25
Viewed: 373
Points: 10
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
I know, this fellow is not on a nice branch but it's so rare in my erea that I had to post it anyway. :)


GRAY CATBIRD

The Gray Catbird was named for its mewing call, although few people would mistake the sound of this bird for that of an actual cat. Like other species in the family Mimidae, this bird displays considerable vocal versatility. Part of this ability stems from the structure of its syrinx. Because both sides of this vocal organ are able to operate independently, the Gray Catbird can sing with two voices at the same time.

This species’ song is a long series of short syllables delivered in rapid sequence. Its repertoire may include syllables of more than 100 different types varying from whistles to harsh chatters, squeaks, and even mimicry. These are sung in seemingly random order at an uneven tempo, resulting in what often sounds like an improvised babble of notes occasionally spiced with the familiar mew.

The genus name, Dumetella, meaning “small thicket,” accurately reflects the Gray Catbird’s habitat: dense, shrubby vegetation. In this setting, it builds a bulky, open nest, usually within two meters of the ground. Although Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater) parasitize the Gray Catbird, they rarely are successful. This catbird is one of only about a dozen species known to recognize cowbird eggs and eject them from its nest—an ability that is learned, not innate. On rare occasions, this learning goes awry and an individual may come to recognize cowbird eggs as its own and reject catbird eggs as they are laid.

http://bna.birds.cornell.edu
falke, NinaM, CeltickRanger has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • falke Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 158 W: 17 N: 451] (1616)
  • [2008-07-13 9:29]

Ohh, this is just beautiful. The soft light, the subtle colours, the pose and the fine technique makes this a masterpiece in my eyes!

Best regards/Bengt

  • Great 
  • NinaM Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 655 W: 0 N: 1623] (5300)
  • [2008-07-13 12:13]

Bonjour Lise, superbe photo du moqueur-chat, je n'en ai jamais vu! Malgré le gris de l'arrière plan, j'aime beaucoup la lumière diffuse qui éclaire le devant de l'oiseau, les couleurs sont très belles, lumineuses mais tout en nuances. Les gouttelettes sur le fil brillent, j'aime beaucoup et le fil ne dérange absolument pas ta belle photo. Merci!

Francine

bonjour Lise

belle image du moqueur-chat dans des conditions d'éclairage difficile,
excellent POV et cadrage vertical, j'aimes les gouttelettes sur le fil
j'aimes également que l'oiseau chante dans l'image, TFS

Asbed

Hi Lise
I love the tones of grey throughout the image. I actually think it wouldn't have been as nice on a branch! Great capture of him singing and I like the catchlight in his eye. TFS
Cheers
Sue

Hi Lise, Sometimes a wire can be a nice composition.Especially when they have droplets like this.Nice work getting the beak open. Looks good.
Doug

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