How We Got a Catbird to Eat from Our Hands and Meow: NARRATED

We enticed a Gray Catbird to eat from our hands, and while he was there, he meowed. Who'd have thought that this skulker of a bird would be so bold?! PLEASE CLICK 'LIKE' IF YOU APPRECIATE THE MOVIE.

[@doriandunham7998]

Did Corona come back the next year?

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

We don't know because I didn't take the time to do the mealworm experiment again, and we couldn't tell Corona from the others just by looking.

[@verone272]

Awww you should try again!! If hes the brave one hes going to hop on!

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

I know. I should have. But by now it's been four years, and I wouldn't much expect him to be around.

[@LWilb327]

I'm sure he missed you 🥰​@@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

@@LWilb327 Me and my mealworms, you mean? Yeah, if he came back, I'll bet he did.

[@flashlitestriker4028]

So cool! Loved this story! I do hope Corona's okay! He'd made friends with the giants!

[@LisaSaffell]

There is something very special about getting our little feathered friends to trust us

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

It was PRET.TY COOL. He was still skittish, but at least we got that far.

[@alliehamilton-calhoun162]

Catbirds sing the most beautiful songs. I think of them as our North American nightingales. They spent a lot of time tossing the water out of my bird baths this summer!

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Aw, those catbirds. You just gotta love 'em! (Which is why I did four movies about them.)

[@smyrnasstory]

Jo, you have a very pleasant voice. I can listen to you for hours. Love birds

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

It was a pleasure to read your compliment. Please do ... listen to me for hours, I mean. 😉

[@garymeredith2441]

I don't think it's a good idea what you're doing here and let me tell you why , your imprinting the birds not everyone is as friendly as you were to the birds I am just content being 15 ft away from them and photographing them I would just go back to being content with watching them coming to your yard and not have them come to your hand or onto your clothing , you are imprinting the birds too much I I personally feel and I'm a photographer that's how I make my living , I would stop doing this , I know you enjoy doing this but think about the implications to the birds , alot of people that are not friendly to birds .

[@SubwooferKing100]

I love you’re smooth calm voice. When I’m stressed out about life, I come to your videos for relief

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Your comment just brings a big smile to my face. 😊

[@larrydavis1853]

Agree this would be a great Sleep Story for the App CALM.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

@@larrydavis1853 I don't know what the app "CALM" is like, but I have been told that I could cure insomnia. (Too bad I can't cure my own.)

[@valeriesimpson2001]

Precious!!! 💖

[@MHarenArt]

What perfectly delightful movie! It's wonderful how your husband participates in the birding! What a great way to spend time. Thank Jo. Take care of those hands and wrists! I'll look forward to the next one!!

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

It took me awhile to get him interested. Okay, the truth is that it was the other way 'round. He's been birding nearly forty years and only got me interested seven years ago when he practically slapped a camcorder in my hands and ordered me to make some films about his beloved birds.

[@Cosmogirl014]

@@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME that's awesome!

[@pamelakern2849]

I always thought the catbirds were very shy and secretive. I have found out I am wrong. They are so delightful. You all are patient and your patience payed off. Loved loved this video !!🤩🤩🤩

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

They're both secretive and bold. That paradox makes them interesting to me in the same way that cats intrigue me with their paradoxes (cruel predators who love and need me). I'm glad to hear you liked this one so much.

[@jamesh.9763]

I never knew they were supposed to be shy. They've been appearing at my bird feeder lately while I'm near it (most other birds except the local finches flee) then I guess they realized I'm the seed supplier, so they've landed near me in other parts of the yard to meow at me. Assuming to let me know the feeder is empty. Lol

[@maryjopiazza4197]

@@jamesh.9763 q

[@mc12358]

Gray Catbirds seem to be shy most of the time, but when the food is offered, they're first in line, no matter what! I think they learn to take advantage of the fact that a human presence keeps other birds from the feeders, therefore, more food for the catbirds!

[@atis9061]

@@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME that's true. I have read that about them in more than one place

[@christinanieves4142]

That was just beautiful! So precious hearing him "meow" and turning his little head. It must have been a thrill, it's quite an honor that they trusted you. Thank you for sharing.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Oh yeah, having him clasp my hand? A thrill, for sure!

[@BirdsandGhibliFan]

Catbirds are so cute! Also, I hope Corona is doing okay, wherever he is. It’s a shame you only saw him for a brief time. Anyway, thanks for sharing!

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

BriannaBird Davis you’re welcome, Brianna. Sharing the experience doubles the pleasure of it.

[@HighVerbal]

Excellent ! .. Building Trust .. "A way to a Catbird's heart is grubworms in his stomach."

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Your play on "way to a man's heart" got a chuckle. Thanks for that.

[@HighVerbal]

@@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME .. YW .. your video gave me a chuckle , too , to see the reticence of the catbird , give way to Appetite ! ~ ~ ;-) ..... and I've a Request and/or Suggestion .. Have you done , or can you do a video on 'squeaking the birds' to draw them near ? .. I've been practicing this for years and am able to draw them in on occasion .. It is usually the young birds such as chickadees and titmice who have fledged and not long out of the nest , who come to me to inspect what the sound is I am making with my mouth to my hand .. because they are curious ? .. and naive ?

[@drakedrones]

There is something special about feeding these light footed beauties by hand .....there sharp little toes kinda gripping on the hand and their beautiful faces....it’s a joy

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Nice description of them. And you know I agree because you saw the smile on my face,

[@ActuallyAPigeon]

Oh I love catbirds! Thank you for this wonderful video!

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

You know I understand your love of them, Emma. thanks for commenting.

[@FeathersinWild]

Lovely footage. you really have a great talent. Superb like.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Thank you for the generous compliment.

[@sniffyriver]

My 9 year old son wanted to verify if the bird he saw was indeed a catbird. Your excellent video helped him to be certain. Thanks for creating and posting your videos. We look forward to watching more of them. We wondered if the catbirds have returned to your yard this spring and if you have tried feeding them again.

[@Alikemammal8841]

This was beautifully narrated! I truly enjoyed everything about your video and find your voice to be incredibly soothing. I can see what kind, good-natured and friendly people you and your husband likely are. You should consider reading books for Audible or a similar service! I sure hope you have grandchildren because they would be so lucky!!! Much love to you ❤

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Thank you for the generous compliment. Right now, as it happens, I have laryngitis. 😢

[@humpermonkey]

Hi Jo. I saw your message about my owl videos. I didn’t know how to personally message you, but you may use my owl clips in your video.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Parliament Of Owls that’s excellent news. Thank you and time for me to do a little happy dance. Your footage will give the movie more depth of information and more variety visually. I’ll post that movie October 20 and send you a link when it’s up. Here’s my email in case you want to communicate any further: [e-mail]

[@caveatemp]

Very sweet. They are my new favorite bird since recently seeing them around my yard. Such beauties. I once had a juvenile bird- can't remember what kind now- follow me around very closely for three days. On the fourth he took one look at me and flew away immediately never to return. Birds are more complex than we can imagine. All life is, really. Our communication is limited by our imagination, not theirs.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

I certainly enjoyed getting to know some of our local birds better last summer--but it is time consuming.

[@costiniucmircea]

Awesome footage , Incredible capture!

[@autumn.redhawke]

I had no idea they like grape jelly too!

[@jessicajaynenc1202]

They also eats blueberries 🫐 🙂

[@sydsyd]

Your narrations are excellent! 😊

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Thank you, Syd. I do try.

[@Optimumhealthandfitness]

Amazing vid. Thanks.

[@sarahcole7338]

I love this!! So beautiful!! Thank you Jo!! Get healed soon ❤️

[@Christi6746]

This brought tears to my eyes. I dream of befriending my birds. What a lovely, lovely experience!

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Why not go for it yourself then? All I takes is dried mealworms and a boatload of patience. 😉

[@AndyReago]

I've always been warned not to encourage a wild one to lose its wariness of us humans. When I first began watching, I felt a pang of worry about what you were doing, but your efforts did not seem in the least to diminish the catbirds' wariness - and your 'request' for greater intimacy via mealworms was granted. What a joy and gift that must have been! The delicate balance between respecting wildness and ensuring it not slip into domestication with your desire for greater intimacy was beautifully kept. - Chrissy

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

I was honored by his visits and never expected any closer intimacy

[@davidcoates6201]

You know, I've had hummingbirds try to perch on my nose just because I think they knew I was the guy who fed them. I didn't actively encourage this (because baiting a migratory songbird is illegal in this country and you can expect a pretty lengthy jail sentence) but I figured that they recognized me from my time filling their feeder and just wanted to say hello.

[@AccidentallyOnPurpose]

Catbirds are actually known to be more friendly to humans by nature. And it doesn't really affect their fear of other predators.

[@patarcher1813]

​@David Coates I've had hummingbirds fly almost beak to nose with me. It's an incredible and humbling experience

[@WorldScott]

Hello Jo Alwood! Such an entertaining video. Unfortunately KZbin/Google no longer sends me e-mail notifications telling me of newly published videos of those to whom I am subscribed to so I no longer have a way to follow your productions in a timely manner. I have moved back to California to look after my aged mother who had a big fall and significantly injured her knee. Though I do miss Paris I am happy to be able to see hummingbirds again! What you've done in this video is something I am thinking about doing with hummingbirds out here in CA. They are already hardly shy so it seems that it would not take long to gain their trust and have them eating while perched on a hand. Speaking of hands I hope you're all healed up now and otherwise doing well! Take care and I'll look for your videos from time to time to see what's new and send you more occasional comments. See you.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

It's a treat to hear from you, Scott. I think about you from time to time. Hey, getting hummers to eat from your hand is a cinch! I'd recommend finding a single feeder if you can. When we were in Estes Park a couple of years ago, we had one that we could set on a table. The hummers soon used it, and after a few hours, all we had to do was sit near the feeder until they got used to us there and then pick up the feeder. They quickly learned to come to that feeder in our hand. Another way--and one where they'll actually perch on your hand instead of hovering--is to put the food in a small paper cup. Once they're used to it, you can put your fingers around the rim of the cup and they will light on a finger to feed. Welcome back, and I hope you enjoy sunny California and your mother's company. Of my recent movies, I'm most pleased with the one about birds eating berries in winter. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYm2XqGXntOMnM0 I didn't set out to make that long a video, but there was so much to observe. My injuries from last year have healed, but on Jan. 3, I fell and jammed a tripod handle into my legally blind eye. Thank goodness it wasn't my good eye! It's been a painful, emotionally fraught three weeks, but I've actually managed to stay on my every other Tuesday publishing schedule. Next up is a vid about a large flock of Robins eating crabapples while a Mockingbird looks on helplessly as they devour his winter stash of berries.

[@Cosmogirl014]

I'm so happy you did it! I'm the one who has the tame Catbird, I call her Kat. She sits right on my hand too, and her mate. She even comes when I call her name nice and loud she flies in for her raisins. Congrats to you - yay!

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Pamela Perry I remember you writing me about your pet cat bird some time back. She even comes when you call?! How do you know it’s a female? We have so many cat birds in the neighborhood that I would not be able to say which ones are mated to which. I still don’t know if I’ll follow through with this again next year, but I will say that your experience tempt me to try it.

[@Cosmogirl014]

Jo Alwood hi Jo. I can’t tell if female. I know she brought her fledgling to meet me though for raisins! So the fledgling came back I knew because very short tail. So I had both of them coming. I only had those 2 here. They always came when I called. I last saw her 3 days ago I have pics of her taking a bath and video. It’s almost like she started backing off because I think they migrate away south. I will miss them. I don’t think I will do this again either. It was a goal of mine but no idea it would be the catbird ☺️. You take good care of your wrist and thx for your great video. ♥️

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

@@Cosmogirl014 I enjoyed hearing about your experience, Pamela--and I understand why you might not repeat it. It requires hours upon hours of patience.

[@Cosmogirl014]

@@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME Jo I would only do it if Kat comes back to her same nest next year and remembers me. They say they come back if they are happy with nest and food area. Hmmm - if that happened I'd really think birds are earth angels. Lot of patience yes, but at the time I was sick so It gave me great pleasure to friend my critters. I think birds/animals are very highly in tune to our energy which is why some trust quicker. My friends call me the 'bird whisperer' lol. I've loved birds since a kid. Take care Jo, looking forward to more videos - they are lovely. I need to get a nice camcorder and record them, they come so close. Be nice to have one at night hidden focused on bird bath, see what comes at night! Owls!? 🤗

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

@@Cosmogirl014 We have an acquaintance who's done that and she gets some amazing footage.

[@robwasnj]

Lovely film making, anxiously looking forward to you getting better and all healed up. This video is giving me ideas, not sure I have the time to get one to come in like that but so far the catbirds get very close, so close I can't focus with my telephoto lens so I know they're closer than 7' when I'm out there. You and your husband have really created a paradise in your backyard! Thanks for sharing.

[@michaelflannigan5092]

Very daring! I have a family of cardinals in my backyard. I have nicknamed the female cardinal, "prettybird" because...why not. If you don't mind I'll use this technique to try to get her to land in my hand.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Please, let me know if you succeed. (And by the way, I love your reason for her name.)

[@cherigreen4471]

This was amazing! I really enjoy watching catbirds and yes they do enjoy the jelly that I put out for the Baltimore Orioles. Never thought about meal worms though. Great job with your patience!

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Thanks, Cheri. Try the mealworms. Maybe you'll even decide you have the patience to get personally acquainted with one of them.

[@joycepullias1044]

Such a great story ..today was our first day that Baltimore orioles came to eat the grape jelly I had put out for a couple of weeks ..such a wonderful surprise ..but then 2 gray birds came to it and made sounds like cats meowing and here you have the story of Carona ..now we have been introduced to these cute birds along with the orioles ..thanks for the story 👍🐦

[@artmakersworlds]

Several years ago I heard a catbird for the first time. (Been here 30 years now.) Not knowing what it was and could NOT catch a glimpse, I posted the audio on youtube and someone told me catbird. The next summer I did catch glimpses of them on occasion. But this year? Seems word got out I have a nyfty back yard. I poked my head in the bushes yesterday and started answering them. WAA WAA WAA. OH I set them off I did. One IN the bushes, (surely they had a nest somewhere in there.) And one behind me hollering their heads off. Then all day no matter where I went in the yard, catbirds circled me stopping along the way to WAA WAA. Was I being told off? lol. It's ok, they are welcome in my yard. Saw one catch a bug in flight. GOOD birds!

[@jailbreakoverlander]

Well Done the blue jay took him out.

[@MrAwesomeairsofters]

How wonderful to know that there are people in the world patient and curious enough to see what could happen if you sat still enough for a period of time, and then share their findings with the rest of us. Thank you!

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

My pleasure, Roseanne. I went down to that spot near the creek this morning and put some mealworms down. It made me happy to see a Catbird come and eat some of them. None of the other species would dare come so close, and I'll bet the one that did remembered last year. But I don't think this one was Corona.

[@BackyardBirdsofAustralia]

Absolutely adorable. I love your narration. You can tell that you put a lot of time into your videos ❤

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Thank you. I do indeed put a lot of time into my videos. Right now, I'm only posting every four weeks--just, you know, thought I'd like to have a life in addition to being a videographer. 😉

[@davidcoates6201]

I think "that" was what the catbird was saying. That was the distinctive sound they use to try to scare parasitic birds away from their nests. It usually involves scaring off cowbirds, but blue jays are known to exhibit brood parasitic behavior as well. (There's a catbird nest across the street from me and they generally come over here to use my birdbath, so I'm pretty used to their interesting behavior at this point).

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Who could ask for better neighbors? And if "that" makes sense to you, then "that' is what you should csll it.

[@mj2201]

Lol lllllll lllllllllłi

[@mj2201]

@@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME lo

[@mj2201]

Llli

[@mj2201]

Lllllłlłllllllllllllllłllpollllllllllll lollllllłlllillllllłilllllłlllllllllllllllłłlillll

[@barbarag.5521]

That was delightful. Thank you.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

It was the summer of Corona for us. The virus was inconvenient; the bird was thrilling.

[@sherwinbtv]

I wish I can also entice birds to feed in my hands..

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

All it takes is a TON of patience, Sherwin. 😉

[@KawakebAstra]

Jo Ur a beautiful Angel 🙏🍃🌹🍃 Fabulous Heartfelt love this production & U ♥️👑🦅,)

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

What a lovely compliment! Thank you.

[@cju4300]

Wow.. birds galore... I love it! Thanks for sharing.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

I had tons of footage of the other birds coming for mealworms, and choosing which clips to include was fun--like you said, "birds galore".

[@mimimills2524]

The only bird that has ever been brave enough to approach me while under the birdfeeders in my tree was a gray catbird. It was right at the beginning of my birdfeeder watching hobby. If I had had any idea how special it was I would've tried to engage it some way some how. A missed opportunity I feel in my heart.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Who would predict that the catbird would be so brave? I was mighty surprised about it. Sorry to hear about your missed opportunity. Maybe some other catbird will give you an chance to befriend it.

[@kiskakuznetsova503]

That chat between the jay and the catbird was hilarious! Catbird put the jay in its place!

[@DarthCalculus]

I went looking for the song of a cat bird to see if that's what I was hearing outside. I got to watch this lovely video with my daughter. Thank you for this little treat!

[@sjmadsen34]

One winter I made friends with a ruffed grouse! It would visit my bird feeders and eat sunflower seeds right at my feet!!!

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

I wish I could have seen it.

[@joyadams507]

This was absolutely wonderful! Made me smile! I have always wanted feed a bird from my hand ... Catbird(one of my favorites) would be a bonus!

[@Megadextrious]

Omg this is so awesome!!! That argument between the birds was hilarious too 🤣

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

We're not doing that kind of feeding again this year because it was so time consuming, but I do think with fondness of the bird's tiny claws grasping my hand. I'm glad you enjoyed seeing what that was like.

[@quote_nature]

An interesting experiment Jo. I wouldn't expect a catbird to eat from your hand but there you go. Mealworms, jelly, patience and most likely a sense that you and your husband were Okay and could be trusted. Sweet experience and a lovely memory. Best wishes and Take care! Warm greetings, Cathy

[@TheWorldOfThoseWhoDoNotSpeak]

Great video! I really enjoyed it.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Thanks for letting me know.

[@InTheGardenandTheBlessings]

YEP I did the same thing with a little mantis, I got a visit from it and vise versa every day then it was just gone one day. BUT THE next spring a little one was born that showed up a few times , can only think it was JR. So maybe yours will return with a family? YOU have to try again next year and see. IT will be exciting to see. That was spectacular.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

In The Garden and The Blessings wait! Are you telling me that you got a mantis to voluntarily come to your hand?! I would not have imagined that was possible.

[@L_Martin]

Your voice is so lovely. So interesting to see your robins, here in England they look quite different. I want to try this with the robin in our garden.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Good luck with making a robin friend. Let me know if you succeed.

[@melissamangino4847]

This just made my day! I l only discovered the delights of the grey catbird during the COVID lockdown. I’m now obsessed. I’m going out to buy mealworms now!

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

That was fun to read. And Covid was also the reason I stayed home and made friends with a catbird, Melissa. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@judy21652]

Thank you so much for this. I love birds and I love feeding them. I love your videos.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

It's a pleasure to hear that you love my videos, Judy. Thanks for telling me so.

[@roxannareneerantz638]

I was told i was an animal whisperer... God bless her, but she opened up my mind to hear them as well... I dont remember ever seeing a catbird before the day i saw one sitting in my yard. He had his mouth open like he had something stuck in his throat. I walked over, picked him up, rubbed his throat and he let me softly touch his beautiful head. Then he flew off. Believe me or not, it was an amazing moment!

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Sorry for the slow reply, Roxanna. I shouldn't have delayed because I certainly enjoyed your account of picking up the injured catbird. You're one up on me: I have felt the claws of one of them on my hand, but I've never touched their plumage. I do believe you that it was an amazing moment.

[@shycat5905]

Makes me wish I didn't live in a large city with mostly pigeons and starlings. Wonderful video. Thank you for your time on it ☺

[@christopherhiggins8238]

I just saw one in my backyard eating suet this morning. Got a few pictures and used Cornell app on my phone to identify it.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

As I pointed out in another of my movies about him, he manages to pull off drab, looking as distinguished as a male model in a tux.

[@atis9061]

he's so cute when he turns his head! they also have a sweet song. I had one in my window for the first time this morning.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

I think a Gray Catbird looks like a distinguished male model in a tux. One who can sing! You'd probably enjoy the movie I did about their vocalizations (kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWi5ZZyEr6iXg6ssi=2rRmErLooFDDQVyN) and another I did about their ability to mimic (kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3argoh-l72Hf7csi=ftnb2XnMzQKDuGAw).

[@lyleheimgaertner5880]

Fantastic video, I live in Northern Illinois and only occasionally see a catbird in my yard. Hopefully I can entice them to stay around for awhile this year. My dearest bird friends are the robins. I had a mother and juvenile sit next to me while I was digging through a dirt pile. I’d pull out the worms and she’d take them and feed it to her little one. I also had one stand next to me while I watered new grass and it would promptly pull it out of the wet ground for their nest. Such a calming delight gaining their trust and being able to help them.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

I'm glad you wrote me about your Robins, Lyle. Both stories were fun to read.

[@lifeunderfoot4805]

What a great interaction you’ve captured! Encounters like this always makes me wonder what other animals think of us. Great video and fascinating narration as always!

[@alba01908]

These are some very brave birds. Here in Pennsylvania they are EVERYWHERE, and show no fear in being a few feet within proximity of a human. They are adorable 😊

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

I know what you mean. I was surprised to find these "skulkers" to be so brave.

[@stephenpatrick8068]

🤗LOVE IT! Thanks for sharing so awesome!

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

My pleasure, Stephen, believe me. And thank you.

[@BackyardBirdingMidwest]

This is wonderful. Thank you.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

It was my pleasure to make it, and it's still my pleasure to know that you enjoyed it. Thanks for commenting.

[@vernonsanders371]

So beautiful, an you got very good camera skills thank u👍

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Thank you, Vernon. I've been. honing my camera skills for eight years now. Still have a ways to go, but working on it.

[@dessertsushi592]

i love when he started meowing at your husband, tilting his head like "why aren't you answering me??" so cute!

[@heatherbryant4197]

This seems like exactly the kind of thing I might do myself. I just stumbled upon your channel, but I think I can safely say I love your videos! Somehow it's refreshing to recognize a likeness in mind and spirit within a stranger, if only by happenstance, if you know what I mean.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Well Heather, you KZbin stumbler, you, welcome. If your idea of a likeness in mind and spirit includes an understated, sometimes sly sense of humor and an unsentimental appreciation of animals, then you are going to have fun browsing my channel. Age related issues are preventing me from publishing as much as I'd like to these days, but despite those problems, I'm especially pleased with the last one I put up showing dragonflies in super slomo. Check it out. Next up: White-throated Sparrows.

[@jessicajaynenc1202]

Yes to alllllllll of this 🙌🏻🙂

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

@@jessicajaynenc1202 Awww. 😊

[@kirstin6296]

This is a lovely video and reminds me of a teacher who used to read to us in 1st grade .

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

I am a retired English teacher … who used to read aloud often to my students.

[@fyfefyfe1]

One cold night and Catbirds will migrate south. My Maryland Catbirds left with their litter about two weeks ago, Aug. 10th.🙂 Safe journey, sweet birds.

[@jillbean8636]

I have a few in my back yard and they are fearless! I love them

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Yes I know, Jill, for such drab looking little birds, they are surprisingly brave and endearing. I have other movies about them as well as this one in case you’d like to see more.

[@bloompikz1880]

This is ADORABLE! Y’all are so lucky! I have trouble even spotting these guys much less feeding them! Thanks for sharing!

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

bloompikz I know what you mean about having trouble spotting them. They’re dark and they so often skulk in thickets. We have a fairly extensive woods behind our house, so we have lots of catbirds in the neighborhood. That’s bound to make it easier to attract them to our treats.

[@bloompikz1880]

Jo Alwood Believe it or not, I just spotted my first one about an hour ago! I was walking in the woods along the river and came across a huge stretch of dense bushes, then one popped right up and landed on a branch. I even saw the red butt 😁

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

@@bloompikz1880 Aww! 😊

[@lovethyneighborasthyself]

We just got a catbird visiting our suet for the first time (in Ohio). Now I think I may try this. I loved your interpretation of the catbird/blue jay conversation! 🙂 God bless you!

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

It will take patience, but if you have that much, you'll likely enjoy the wait as well as the hoped for reward. Good luck.

[@joyadams507]

Thank you so very much for sharing!

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

I'm glad to see you found this one, Joy. It took me the better part of three months to get the Catbird to alight on our hands, but it was worth the trouble for the thrill.

[@pullbackbaby]

Search: Study reveals startling impacts of artificial light on backyard birds.

[@sahandn9]

Incredibly well-done video! It was very captivating

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

What a lovely compliment. Thank you.

[@wilkinsonwoodcarving]

I had a recent confrontation with a catbird while I was picking figs from my, who am I kidding, our fig tree. I have been watching her, and other birds, enjoy the figs, and I always leave some extra on there for my backyard friends. I have been inspired to create a carving featuring a cat bird, and your video has solidified my decision. I love your narration and translation of the exchange between the catbird and blue jay! I think you're spot on! Thanks for sharing this great story.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Since I posted this movie, I’ve been impressed with how many people have responded with their own stories about Catbirds. Thanks for sharing your experience. I enjoyed hearing about it. And I hope you can produce a wood carving that you’re satisfied with.

[@IMMickey132]

This video is not just about the fat bird. Blah blah blah go to 3:00 if looking to hear any birds....nevermind All I heard was a blue Jay Waste of time

[@artifacthunter1472]

Darn chicken hawks eating all our cat birds!! I’ve done exactly the same but with walnuts and Squirrley‘s!! The cat birds at my house sure love the woodpecker sweet peanut butter cake I put in the Square feeder! They destroyed that square into bits in about four days! They sit up in the trees and sing it’s such a delight!

[@mc12358]

I love your story-telling, it's very comforting! In the spring of 2018, I had a special gray catbird that came to my hand every day for several weeks to eat raisins (I have video of it on my channel). That is an unforgettable experience! I never trained it, this catbird just showed up one day looking hungry, so I fed it. It only ended when I hung a suet feeder in my yard and the bird had a much stronger preference for that. But what a sweetheart of a bird! Thanks for your video, and explanation of the process. And yes, gray catbirds are in the Mimidae family, which also includes Toxostoma rufum (Brown Thrasher) and Mimus polyglottos (Northern Mockingbird). Typically, they are separated like this: N. Mockingbird: repeats its phrases 3x Brown Thrasher: repeats its phrases 2x Gray Catbird: no repetition, one phrase rapidly leads to another Another bird that doesn't get enough recognition for its mimicry skills, though invasive in North America, is the European Starling. Starlings have a very broad repertoire.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

It's nice to hear that you enjoy my storytelling. I've done several movies on each of the mimidae. Love 'em! The mockingbird is such a character that I keep finding myself making videos about him. He's a lovable bully. Last spring, though, I saw him get his comeuppance when a flock of Cedar Waxwings decimated "his" holly tree of its berries. He could barely stand to watch it. I've heard that the Starling is an excellent mimic, though I've never heard one show off his repertoire.

[@mc12358]

@@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME I love waxwings! I've seen huge flocks make short work of the fruits on the invasive silverthorn (Elaeagnus pungens). That would have been something great to see an irate mockingbird watching on 🤣

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

@@mc12358 I was mistaken about the irate Mockingbird. It's true I filmed Cedar Waxwings getting his stash (kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3azZ32Cms9koKM), but the movie that really showed him upset was one about a flock of migrating Robins finishing off a crabapple tree that the mocker was planning to dine on for a month of early winter. You're gonna love it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWqbi4OqrLJqZtU

[@erikaerika7788]

Saw my 1st cat bird in my yard ...cutie....maybe on his way north 😃😃

[@frozenyogurt3]

Thank you for the video. This is so sweet. I LOVE cat birds.

[@sharoneasley]

I live in Maine and I love my cat birds. I have so many they’re fun to watch. They seemed pretty brave; you just confirmed that. I was able to get one of my chickadees to eat out of my hand. I never try to cat bird. I guess I’ll never know because I’m moving next month to Alabama. I’m going to check out to see if cat birds are in Alabama because I certainly love them. This sound weird to many people but I’m sure not you…. I’m going to be very sad to leave my birds. I’ve been feeding the bird for !5 years and I basically know most of them. Since it’s a sellers market 2021, I would not sell my house to anyone who had a cat. My birds will eat right next to my dogs I have Yorkshire terrier‘s. They’re not afraid of my dogs. I’m afraid they would get eaten by a cat.

[@inspiredbystarr]

I subscribed. You have an amazing naraters voice. You should look into doing movie or book narations

[@cpbgaming7983]

Thank you Jo! This really touched me. We've recently had a catbird show up, guarding our garden more or less. We've took to affectionately calling her our Garden Guardian, Lord knows we need it with everyone that wants a part of the bounty of leaves and veggies ripe for the taking inside!

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

"Garden guardian", huh? I like it. Those plain little birds have more personality than we might expect.

[@maryjopiazza4197]

Our CST used yo fit on the porch railing and the cat birds would fly by and peck it on its head. I had a pair of Mockingbird that used to come for raisins every day. If there weren't any out yet one would sit on the clothesline outside our sliding door and wait for me.

[@terriesales]

Love this! So patient, and fantastic curious bird. We have one here with an injured wing that we feed twice a day. He gets close, but not close enough to help him - yet. We’ve called the animal rescue, but attempts haven’t been successful. The fact he gets around fairly well, we think if we don’t succeed he will be healthy enough to survive as he has for however long his wing has been injured. We found your video after determining what type of bird he is. Thank you for sharing this, as it gives hope we can get him close enough to get the medical treatment he needs.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

I wish you luck with capturing him, but I want to warn you that, even if he comes onto your hand, he’ll be next to impossible to catch. Those little buggers are FAST.

[@terriesales]

@@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME thank You for the information. Our greatest concern is the stress it may cause him, to the point just not sure it’s a good idea. He is getting on quite well regardless of his maimed wing.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

@@terriesales I'm sure that capturing him would feel like a betrayal. And if you decide to limit your aid to feeding him, you're still doing the bird a great service.

[@yvonnemullin1934]

Thank you for this charming video!!

[@AdaptiveApeHybrid]

Catbirds are known to mimic people and respond to them, among other animals

[@baltimoreluke]

I attracted a pair of these this summer to my front steps with cherries and grapes. They like cherries and grapes. But they don't like the cat sitting in the window.

[@MegInWhispers]

this is the content youtube was made for

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

What an original and lovely compliment, Megyn. Thank you.

[@WhistlesToAnimals]

At 00:21 at only a few weeks old, a cardinal chases off a blue Jay. Still had it's baby black beak.

[@ELKFILMZ]

Great video, thank you so much for sharing this special moment with us.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Thanks. It really was a special moment, and I'm glad I could share it.

[@dougjonnaebel5704]

I've been wondering about the catbirds. We seem to have an abundance of them this year. You've given me an idea for an experiment for next year. thank you for your research!

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

It was my pleasure--especially since it's also your pleasure. Thanks for writing me about it and good luck.

[@duvessa2003]

Is grape jelly ok for them?

[@TheMerFree]

I love your videos! Thank you for making them. Just came upon some today and subscribed!

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

I loved hearing about your new acquaintance with my channel and about how much you appreciate it. Thanks for telling me so. I hope you'll browse for awhile. And might I suggest looking at some of the bug videos too?

[@jamiesilvia1861]

There's one around here that I call Harry (after the gecko on Death in Paradise), that hangs out with me as I crochet outside. He has been here 2 years. I know it's him by the music I play. He loves Paul Simon and Queen. 😊 Never fails. He pops up out of a bush and watches me. Then he gets closer by getting on the telephone wires. Now, he hops up on the car and pecks stuff out of the vents as he listens. He has done some beautiful singing while I'm out with him. 🥰

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Paul Simon and Queen, huh. Pretty good taste in music. Anyway, I enjoyed your description of the scene, even down to the detail about the bird picking bugs out of the car's vent! I've developed a chronic inflammation in my elbow that prevents me from crocheting these days--not that I ever did all that much. It's a soothing, productive pastime.

[@MissMolly3377]

Cat birds are my favorite. They’re so beautiful. I have a few around here, and I have one who I sit and talk to, he will meow, I will meow, he gets a bit angry, if I don’t talk to him. 😂

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Some might call the Catbird dull because of its dark colors, but I think it's as striking as a male model in a tux. And you seem to have more of a connection to yours than I did. With us, it was just a matter of him wanting the food I could give him, but yours has a relationship in mind.

[@JB-xg7io]

I'm here because I have a gray bird around my place that seems to have a curiosity/affinity towards me. When I'm outside I very often see him nearby checking me out. With a little research I learned that it is a gray catbird. I don't know if it's the same one every time, but I think it's reasonably likely.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

I understand why you wouldn't be sure it's the same bird all the time. As I said in the movie, I can't tell individual catbirds apart. But I'll bet you're right about it being the same one. At least, that was the conclusion my husband and I came to about the one that fed from our hands. Have you thought about offering it some dried mealworms?

[@williamtalbot5040]

Cat birds do a lot more than this.. aren't you too mature for CLICKBAIT

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

I'm aware of the Catbird's many vocalizations and have done two movies about that (kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3argoh-l72Hf7csi=33mVWUDGHVu0Ghrn and kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWi5ZZyEr6iXg6ssi=IiFdHAs3fwnuyrgx). As for being too mature for CLICKBAIT, apparently you are. Me, I'm just a teenager in an old lady's body.

[@CollectingCardboard]

I'll keep my experiences/opinions, rather short; I had a gray catbird come back to my backyard for _FOUR YEARS, STRAIGHT_ ! I sorta'...."reared him"...once his momma left him in mid-to-late September, and there's _NO DOUBT_ in my mind; this species (as many in the blackbird genus, are!) is *highly intelligent* !! He would fly up to me nearly every time I walked into the backyard. He'd fly into my hand & feed. He'd follow me all around my garden,....from pillar-to-post! He'd call out to/for me!! Our house burned down, 2 years ago this past April. Short of the story; we lost, *EVERYTHING* !! I'm relatively-confident that *Lucky* (the name my wife & I gave to our..."wild pet, catbird") soon arrived for the spring/summer season(s) and was _COMPLETELY CONFUSED_ as to what he saw/discovered. I hope that my dear friend is still among us, and if for some reason, he is not,...I hope that he's flying,...well,.... _FREE AS A BIRD_ ,....in that forever place above the clouds!!

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

What a touching story. Yeah, I'll bet the catbird was taken aback by what he found. I'm sorry that you lost everything, including your only wild pet.

[@micahgoingback1771]

Love your video, the editing and narration was wonderful. As good as David Attenborough

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Aw. What a nice compliment! Thank you.

[@phdonme1]

I'm trying to get blue jays down now. And the bravest birds out of all the birds are the catbird. I call them grackle, and they will come down before any other bird. Thanks for the video I'm going to change up my technique. Grape jelly brilliant.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Good luck! I bet you'll like the grape jelly results.

[@carefulpilgrim]

Appreciated your narration of your remarkable video experiment.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Thank you. And I appreciate you taking the time to watch the movie.