Took a quick hike at Middle Patuxent this morning. I encountered at least a
dozen Wood Thrushes all chattering and scolding, but with a bit of song here
and there. I watched one sing for several minutes, the singing interspersed
with scold notes (at least that's how I interpret it - guess I could go look
it up). Besides the interesting behavior, I also had a great view and was
able to see how the bird formed different parts of the song as chest or
throat puffed out for lower notes, or not at all for the high stuff. Wood
Thrushes do jazz, or maybe fusion.

At home, the female Goldfinch has been chattering and wing-quivering a lot
while she feeds, while the male is looking brilliant and singing a lot -
sometimes on the feeder. I'm guessing they're just getting started while
everyone else is winding down?

My Catbird is acting restless. He only takes one grub from my hand now and
leaves. Other times he'll just hang out - doesn't want food. He points at me
(Catbirds are good pointers) as though he does but I'm beginning to think he
just wants me to come out. Last year the other Catbirds disappeared around
mid-August but mine stayed until mid-September. He'd come by in the evening
and I'd go out on the balcony and stand next to him and we'd just commune
(or something) until nearly dark.

fdp

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Fred Pierce (DNRC)- 
Mid-Atlantic Aviation on the Web - http://www.avialantic.com
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