Gray Catbird

The Catbird pair and I will keep a close eye on one another all summer long. Here one of them (the sexes are look identical) lurks near me in the Prairiefire crabapple. Their return from a Florida or West Indies winter getaway coincides with the absolute prime days of this beautiful tree, which is now simultaneously carrying buds, blossoms, leaves and fruit (leftover from last year).

You can sample the Gray Catbird's spectacular jazz stylings here.