How delightful that the “thin, squeaky call notes” of the Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher give away its presence – otherwise, it would be almost impossible to spot this tiny bird! (National Audubon Society Pocket Guide of Songbirds & Familiar Backyard Birds – East).
This morning I heard that distinct nasal, wheezy buzzing in the trees all around me. All I had to do was stand still and watch . . . very closely . . . as these Gnatcatchers are literally in constant motion, flitting hurriedly from branch to branch and tree to tree.
The Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher “hops and sidles in dense outer foliage, foraging for insects and spiders.” (All About Birds). Once I finally spot him, more often than not, the Gnatcatcher is already heading the other way, and all I manage to capture with my camera is a tail shot!
This slim, small (4-5″) bird can be found in woodlands and thickets, often near water, across much of the United States (Audubon). Lucky for us, they are in our region year round.
Birder's Journey 
Wow! What really awesome pics!
How fortuitous for you that the gnatcatcher sat there long enough for you to focus and shoot. He remains on my shutterbug bucket list. Great post and thanks!
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Thanks so much for your enthusiastic comments, Berny! It seemed that the little Gnatcatcher never stayed still for more than a fraction of a second. I’m glad you liked this post!
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Patience and a quick finger lol. Small birds rarely pose for long.
Great photos.
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That’s for sure!! These birds – and the warblers that are returning now – are a real photography challenge. But I’m getting to know more small songbirds ever year. 🙂
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We have tiny fast moving birds like these in Australia BJ so I empathise with you on the difficulty photographing them. You have done well to get such great pictures:-)
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Yes, sometimes I think I’d be better off just watching these little birds with binoculars! :). I appreciate your kind comments, AB.
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These guys are tough to photograph, always on the move. But fun to watch.
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Thanks for your visit and your comments, Sue. You are so right – they are constantly on the move! I’m always so excited when I can even get a half shot.
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You got great pictures! I have heard these birds at the salt marsh too, but up to now not really been able to spot them other than for a second or two, even less to get good pictures of them.
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Thanks so much, Tiny! I’ve gotten used to keeping my eye on them once I find them. But getting them in the frame and snapping the shot before they’re gone is another whole challenge 🙂
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Oh you are lucky, BJ, to have them year round. In northern Calif. we have them only for the summer, and I, too, chase them around, so delighted by this quick and perky bird. Excellent post.
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Although the gnatcatchers are here year round, they seem more abundant now that the warblers and other small birds are returning. Thank you, Jet!
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