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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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,

[@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!!! 💖

[@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

[@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 ?

[@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!

[@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!

[@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).

[@flashlitestriker4028]

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

[@kiskakuznetsova503]

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

[@ActuallyAPigeon]

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

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@lifeinaditch]

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

[@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.

[@FeathersinWild]

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

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Thank you for the generous compliment.

[@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. 😉

[@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.

[@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.

[@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".

[@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!

[@costiniucmircea]

Awesome footage , Incredible capture!

[@autumn.redhawke]

I had no idea they like grape jelly too!

[@jessicajaynenc1202]

They also eats blueberries 🫐 🙂

[@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. 😉

[@sarahcole7338]

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

[@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.

[@sydsyd]

Your narrations are excellent! 😊

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Thank you, Syd. I do try.

[@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!

[@dessertsushi592]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@barbarag.5521]

That was delightful. Thank you.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@s1nd3r3llee]

Very sweet! I love seeing and hearing the catbirds at our backyard bird feeder. Thank you for sharing this!

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

My pleasure. I didn't realize how popular Catbirds are until I posted this. Dozens of people haven't written to tell me, as you did, how much they love them. And by the way, I have three other movies about them.

[@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 ☺

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@KawakebAstra]

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

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

What a lovely compliment! Thank you.

[@saltator8565]

I can't even begin to tell you how friendly and curious catbirds are. They even observe me while I'm biking through the woods. So cool!

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

I know. And yet they have such a reputation for being reclusive. Well, I guess that’s because they do like to burrow down into brush piles.

[@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.

[@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.

[@Mr_Egg-8841]

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. 😢

[@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.

[@TheWorldOfThoseWhoDoNotSpeak]

Great video! I really enjoyed it.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Thanks for letting me know.

[@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! 😊

[@stephenpatrick8068]

🤗LOVE IT! Thanks for sharing so awesome!

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

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

[@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. 😉

[@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

[@frankhopkins7032]

Absolutely lovely!!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

You're welcome, Frank. It was a memorable experience.

[@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.

[@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 👍🐦

[@Optimumhealthandfitness]

Amazing vid. Thanks.

[@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.

[@nateblack972]

Loved watching this experiment. What a brave little birdy!

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Yes, and I love it that the bravest one is a species that everyone thinks is particularly shy.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@setapart6937]

Great video! I never knew Catbirds were so friendly. They always seemed very secretive to me. About a month ago I finally got a few of my Chickadees to trust me enough to eat from my hand. One of the best days of my life!

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

More than one Chickadee?! Okay, I'm jealous. They're such cutie pies. I'm filming them now for a movie about 4 species that flock together in winter: chickadees, Nuthatches, titmice and Downy Woodpeckers. And by the way, like you, I always thought the catbirds were secretive. I was surprised to find them the boldest of the birds who wanted mealworms.

[@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.

[@frozenyogurt3]

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

[@SundanceWolf]

When I was little, up at Story Land in NH there was a man who played Heidi's Grandfather. He could get wild birds to eat out of kids hands. The birds trusted him. It was so amazing! When he left the park, the birds stopped coming down to feed from people. He was their trusted person.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Wow! That's an interesting memory! Thanks for telling me about it.

[@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.)

[@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 😃😃

[@carolstella6776]

I heard a catbird for the first time in my yard last year. I was amazed at how much they really do sound like a cat! It was so neat to have one visit. ❤ What a fun video! Thanks.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Hi, Carol. Do you have good habitat for the catbirds? I would wish catbirds for everyone who pays attention to birds. I think of them as male models in tuxedos. Who meow.

[@carolstella6776]

@@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME I believe our property would definitely suit them. It’s quite wooded with lots of shrubs fruit trees and native plants. I always have a bird bath out with a water bottle for the smaller birds. I was sitting on the deck when the catbird landed on the railing a few feet away, and was just hopping around eying me up! I started talking to him (like I’m known to do) and he hung around for several minutes. He didn’t seem afraid of me, which I thought was unusual. I honestly didn’t know what kind of bird it was until he flew into a nearby tree and started to meow! He gave me quite a concert! It was a really cool experience! I hope I see him again this year.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

What a fun experience! Sounds like you have perfect habitat for them. The only thing that surprises me is that you haven't seen them before now. I hope you get to see lots of these handsome devils in the future.

[@carolstella6776]

I’ve only lived in this house for 2 years, it’ll be my third summer. Before that we that we lived in town. Don’t recall ever seeing or hearing them before. ☹️ We have so many birds here that are new to me, and I’m just loving it!😍

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

I'm smiling just thinking about your delight in this new place.

[@arbedreka]

Jo, you are ONE with NATURE!

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Um, probably not ONE with nature ... but I do keep trying to edge closer to it. 😉

[@awildapproach]

I just spotted this little critter in my back garden for the first time. I've been adding more and more native plants to the garden over the years, and the wildlife have been coming in to check them out! Love them. ☺

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

I thought I had answered you a couple of days ago. I remember reading your comment and enjoying hearing from someone who values both the catbird and native plants. My husband is a gardener who went native ten years ago, and those plants do draw in more birds and bugs. In fact, I did a couple of movies about the importance of native plants. Do you get Brown Thrashers? Carolina Wrens?

[@awildapproach]

@@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME Yes, I do get brown thrashers, carolina wrens, bluejays, chikadees, hummingbirds, several types of woodpeckers I haven't learned yet, and hawks, too. Tufted titmouse is one of my favorites. Cardinals are a frequent visitor. And if I recall correctly, song sparrows. It's not all my doing, though. I live next to and diagonal from people who have beautiful mature species like oaks, pines, eastern red cedars, maples, dogwoods, etc. Those, no doubt, help to jumpstart the species I already saw here, but I didn't get them visiting my own garden until I added my own native plants, except the squirrels and the yellowjackets. I had them from the start. LOL! 🤣 I also get robins and crows (or ravens? I don't know). I'm not great at bird ID yet. I just try to find out what a bird is as I see it show up. iNaturalist helps a lot. And I've watched several of your videos over time. But it had been a while. I also love the chipmunks and even the critters who munch my plants, like the groundhogs and the rabbits. I am on only 1/4 acre, so I know a lot of why I see so many birds is due to the great mature native trees nearby in addition to the things we grow. We also have a brush pile we keep in a hidden area in the back, for whoever wants to use it. I also coppice a couple things to keep them shorter, since I have a smaller property. I also leave water out for the wildlife. These are just the things that come to my mind as of now. But I'm sure I'm forgetting some birds...oh yeah, finches! Okay, I better end this comment before I remember some more I've seen.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

@@awildapproach Sounds like you've got some fine habitat there and lots of species to enjoy it. I have movies on all the ones you mentioned, even the Song Sparrow. I'm lucky enough to be married to a man who's been birding for forty years. He's my primary source of knowledge. He's the one who encouraged, no scratch that, NAGGED me into filming birds. (And I'm glad he did.)

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

@@awildapproach Did you mention what part of the country you live in? Because Ravens are western birds.

[@awildapproach]

@@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME Ah! I see! Okay, so they gotta be crows. I'm in East Tennessee. I used to call the morning doves out here "pigeons" because that's really what I thought they were, so I was probably second-guessing myself, calling those black birds crows, and going...oh what if I just think those are crows. Haha! Anyway, I enjoy watching the crows and mocking birds scare off the hawks. The drama that ensues! It's a sight to see, and we see that often here. I hear them before I see them. Glad that he nagged you into making these videos. You're excellent at narrating them, too.

[@yvonnemullin1934]

Thank you for this charming video!!

[@shannonquinn5261]

You cleared up the mystery about this bird call that I'd heard when sitting on my patio. noises

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Glad to help, Shannon. I also have a movie up about the catbird's other noises, in case that would interest you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWi5ZZyEr6iXg6s

[@Frankymmaz9097]

This is awesome ❤️🕊️! I had a catbird visit here in Live Oak Florida for the first time this week! He loves my homemade bark butter! I love birds!

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Keep on keepin' on, then, Franky. 😊

[@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.

[@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.

[@amymosley9276]

I met a handsome Catbird yesterday and while learning about them I came across your video here. I loved this video, thank you for making and sharing it.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

My pleasure, Amy. Thanks for commenting.

[@jonathanohnmeiss6626]

I saw your video because I just got a pair of catbirds at my feeder for the first time and I looked up info on their range and saw the bird sitting on your hand. Beautiful!! Great work. I've loved birds my whole life like my parents and grandparents.....I love those little connections we can make with them. The chickadees used to ride on my grandfather's gun barrel when he would walk from his house to go hunting.....we always thought it was so funny. Gun over his shoulder and he wouldn't even know they were there.....he loved them.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

What a great story about the Chickadee on your grandfather's gun barrel! And I can't even get decent film of those flitty little guys. I'm embarrassed. On the other hand, I'm proud as punch of my Gray Catbird movies. I've got three more of them, by the way. Though I will admit that this one is the best.

[@jonathanohnmeiss6626]

@@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME I'll have to find your others videos

[@ardentgailla]

This is amazing! I'm finally starting to be able to tell some birds apart and recognize their calls. What a great gift to have a catbird meow while in your lap!

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Thank you, and I'm glad you found the video helpful. The whole experiment was time consuming but very rewarding. As for learning common bird calls, you might want to check out films I've done about Carolina Wrens and Goldfinches.

[@ardentgailla]

@@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME Thank you! I will check them out.

[@shiratarantino1957]

This was lovely. I came on here to confirm what catbirds looked and sounded like because I think I spotted one in my tree. Loved this video.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Glad to hear you enjoyed it so much, Shira. I’ve got three other movies about the catbirds that you might like to check out too.

[@sahandn9]

Incredibly well-done video! It was very captivating

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

What a lovely compliment. Thank you.

[@blujazz10000]

What a lovely video. Thank you, M'am.😊

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

You’re welcome, Thomas. I’m glad you enjoyed it.

[@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!

[@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.)

[@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.

[@socon3981]

I read catbirds were shy, but we have one this spring who is friendly. He sat on my husbands leg once and he has been hanging around our yard all day sounding like a cat. We feed him and other birds but he's been the star of the backyard. My husband named him Fred. He's not shy about being out in the backyard while we're there, and he's well aware when we put things out for the birds to eat. There's another catbird out there but he/she is more typical which makes friendly Fred stand out as the friendliest bird we've ever encountered.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

I always enjoy hearing people’s stories about their own experiences with various birds. I wish we had Fred in our yard. We had to work super hard at making friends.

[@carefulpilgrim]

Appreciated your narration of your remarkable video experiment.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

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

[@MirroCosmoKenisis]

I admire y'all. Something that is bonding you two as well. To see the true Nature of it all. I think that we as people have a lot to learn from the animals in Nature. God bless your marriage and your efforts to help them help you two. This made me feel good . I think that I rather be among the animals and learn from them. Bonus: making unbreakable bonds..haha Facebook 'insta' nor any social networking sites have what NATURE usually provides. We are the only animals that pay to live... love and peace with blessings in abundance to you and to all

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

The two of us are fortunate to have a property with woods and a spring fed creek, as well as a large yard where my husband has planted natives to attract bugs that feed the birds. We feel so privileged to have this haven, and I enjoyed reading your praise of the soothing power of nature. Thank you.

[@M.e.g.a.n.]

Awww this is so cute! This summer I was holding out my hand with some food, just a few inches away from a Bohemian waxwing in a tree. I stood there for an hour straight, and he sat there looking at me that whole time! He didn’t even flinch when I moved or when there was any kind of loud sound. He was really tame! He just didn’t like my offering lol. I probably could have or him a little bit, but I didn’t want to scare him away. I’ve had black capped chickadees and white breasted nuthatches land in my hand before, but they were accustomed to people regularly hand feeding them in the park I was at. Except for one time where a couple chickadees landed in my hand in my yard. One of them liked to land on my head, so that was pretty cool 😄 It’s so addicting to have birds land in your hand! I just want to cuddle all the cute little birds out there, but I’m sure the feeling isn’t mutual! Lol 😆

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

St. Francis of Assissi is your hero.

[@jackiesicilian5720]

That was an awesome experiment, maybe the meow was his thank you along with " hey these are my friends now." Like you're family now. So cool.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

I would like to believe that.

[@kimm1780]

This is a great video! Had my own who came back annually for 4 years to follow me through my gardening routine to get snacks :-)

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Oh ho, no wonder you liked my video - must have felt like old times!

[@kimm1780]

@@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME Yes, it did, was a pleasure to see! They will return to the same place as well! Stock up onthat jelly! ❤

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

@@kimm1780 Covid, I think, got me to try the experiment, but I haven't done that since 2020. You'll just have to enjoy it for both of us. I'm traveling to some local places to get film for a couple of movies I'm working on about swallows--which is a whole nuther kind of fun. Just remember me once in awhile when the Catbirds are making you grin.

[@kimm1780]

@@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME Will do. Enjoy the swallows and may God bless you and keep you safe in your travels!❤

[@raereisinger3027]

Thanks for sharing. You’re a great storyteller!

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

I like that compliment, Rae! I do try to tell a story in every film.

[@Fractell358]

lesleythebirdnerd is really good at identifying individual birds. i've always found her id skills fascinating.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Yes, Lesley is tops at making friends with Chickadees, Bluejays, and White-throated Sparrows. I don't know whether anybody knows as much about their calls as she does.

[@kooale]

Really cool, hats off to you & husband for your effort & patience! Hope to try some day(s)!

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

Are you retired? That's almost a prerequisite, because it does take at least a half hour every day. But I wish you the patience and the reward. Do you get plenty of catbirds?

[@kooale]

@@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME Are you retired? Yes, in our dreams. Do you get plenty of catbirds? Never seen one in real life, though a great naturalist neighbor 5 blocks away was impressed by seeing one last year in her yard. As we double up on bird love efforts we may well attract the plethora of species of S. Wis./N. Ill., here's hoping. Best to you - film maker/educator/angel Jo. Thanks for the time detail/advice.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

@@kooale Angel? Oh dear, I’ll have to start behaving myself. 😉 As you can see from watching the movie, I was in woods when I made friends with that bird. They are woodland birds, and I’m guessing from what you say that you don’t have any of that nearby.

[@kooale]

@@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME In the tiny yard: downey & pileated w. pecker (maybe hairy too?), blue jay, robin, cardinal, m. dove, nuthatch, chickadee, sparrow, purple & house finch, red winged black bird. Crow, grackle, starling in the area & across the st. with a great horned owl, various high up in the air & usu. distant raptors/hawk/falcons - they def. cruise the neighborhood. Other species possibly migrating through that I can't yet identify by call being new to rural birding. Maybe a wren? Saw 2 mallards roadside today quite a distance from water. I'm told Orioles are in the area, never seen one. Neighboring 19th c. cemeteries are town forests of sorts with lots of conifer, Oak, Cypress, Catalpa, Maple & other trees I can’t yet identify. I just love it all! Behave! Hah! In Covid year 2 eye welcome any opportunity to laugh. You're great Jo.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

@@kooale Oh well then, what would you need with a bigger yard?!

[@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.

[@Tejah]

They are very curious and not afraid to defend their turf. I find them to be curious yet cautious. One round little fluffy catbird gave me the riot act for being to close to the nest. Lol I didn't realize until I saw the reaction. It was very comical. 😍 🐦 🐦

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

I agree with you that they are a treat to have around.

[@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.

[@cjwilliams55]

I have what I call a mini-sanctuary here; we have bluejays, cardinals, house wrens, carolina wrens, blackcaps, woodpeckers, etc. Last year four catbirds showed up. They are so friendly. I feed them crickets, waxworms and crushed peanuts. They come right to my feet to feed. They follow me everywhere. Last year when they left, I had no idea they migrated until I did some reading on them. I was so hoping they would return here this year, and they did!!!! They arrived one at a time over the course of a week. I was so excited. Thank you for this video.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

I enjoyed hearing about your experience with the birds in your mini-sanctuary. Crickets, huh? You’re down right serious about it!

[@cjwilliams55]

@@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME They love crushed peanuts, waxworms and crickets. I am always buying crickets for my 20-year old leopard gecko, and one day I put some outside (the catbirds are always fly to our garage doors when they hear it opening and they gobbled them up.

[@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME]

@@cjwilliams55 So much for their reputation as shy skulkers, huh?

[@cjwilliams55]

@@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME For sure. The four here all hang out together, but there is definitely a hierarchy.

[@cjwilliams55]

@@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME For sure, Jo. They follow me all over the yard when I'm outside. And they are tough. Even the bluejays back off.

[@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.