iBird Plus describes the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher’s vocalization as “a distinctive, whining ‘pzzzz’ with a nasal quality”, and that’s exactly how I knew this little fellow was nearby.I was looking the other way when I heard that unmistakable squeaky call. I turned around was treated to the sight of this diminutive Gnatcatcher hopping about in full view!Gnatcatchers are non-stop foragers, […]
Tag Archives: Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher
One of my favorite places to bird – or just walk – is a beautiful preserve with a very long name: The Wellington Environmental Preserve at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Everglades Habitat. A lush, marshy wetland, with scenic views in every direction! Even on this very windy day, the Terns loved it (I think these […]
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
This tiny little Blue-gray Gnatcatcher ventured out on a bare tree branch, and actually stayed still for more than a second or two – very unusual for these active little birds! I caught sight of him rustling around overhead on a recent walk at our nearby National Wildlife Refuge. “The energetic Blue-gray Gnatchatcher rarely slows […]
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. […]
I was lucky to catch a shot of this little Blue-gray Gnatcatcher as he flitted non-stop from branch to branch overhead, searching for tiny flying insects. Curiously, despite their name, ‘gnats do not form a significant part of the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher’s diet’. (All About Birds)! Although they are more abundant during our south Florida winters, these busy birds […]
My goal this year is to learn more about the very small birds that come to our wetlands. Some, like the male Painted Bunting above at the preserve’s feeder, are easy – his brilliant multi-colored feathers are so distinctive that he’s hard to miss. The Ovenbird, the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, and the Black & White Warbler were three new, distinctive little […]
It’s such a joy to watch and listen to adults walking with their young children in the nature preserves I frequent. Some months ago, I overheard a mother say to her little boy, as they set out on their walk, “Look! All the birds are so happy – they’re singing their morning song!”I LOVE that! I […]
Birder's Journey 