My idea of a perfect bird shot during this autumn season would be to capture a pretty bird perfectly posed against a background of colorful foliage. Alas, things don’t often work out that well in the real world, so I have to make the best of what I am able to find.
In this case, it was a Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) that I spotted during a recent visit to Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. The feathers of this catbird are muted in color, as are the colors of the dying leaves that surround it. Nonetheless, I like this rather pleasing portrait of a bird that has a vocal repertoire equal to that of a mockingbird.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
I like the branches and foliage around the bird, the colors are so similar it looks like perfect “camouflage.” A beautiful photo Mike. Thank you.
Ahh, such a delight to get my Mike Powell fix. Sorry I do not respond daily, but I do love reading your blog, sir!!
Thanks, Molly. Respond whenever you can. I try to keep up with things but periodically fall behind when I am distracted or busy.
I find the more subtle shades and the soft light a delightfully gentle combination. We’ve missed their calls too, this year.
This will be a memorable year, full of things we’ve experienced and sadness for so many things that we have not been able to experience.
It is so, and it must be such a challenge under the conditions you’re having to deal with.
It’s a challenge for sure. I’ll leave it at that.
Well said Gary, the subtle shades and soft light *are* delightfully gentle, that’s how I felt upon seeing the image too 🙂
Thanks, Liz; once again we see eye to eye.
🙂
Mine left a week ago from the yard here in NH I miss them.
I love having catbirds around all summer. But they do pick our blueberries if we don’t net them. One year I didn’t put up the netting and we got just a handful from our 9 bushes.But their song is so entertaining that it was hard to hold a grudge. They are gone now but we’ll be looking forward to their return next year.