Catbird

I heard this catbird before I saw him. He sounded his alarm call as I strolled into his territory.  I think catbirds are understatedly attractive with their slate grey coloring and black capped heads; they resemble refined gentlemen dressed in formal wear.  But when they start squawking their meow-like call, I am reminded that these are not timid, retiring birds, but rather are ready and willing to let people know what they consider to be their domain. Their unique meow-like call is why they are called catbirds. These birds migrate, so this might be the last one I see around here (Connetquot River State Park) until next spring.