A new bird for my list

[KCFoggin]

Today I was surrounded by a half dozen blue-gray gnatcatchers and they are amazing little birds. They would come to within inches of me to snatch a bug out of the air. Occasionally they would take a short (and I mean short) break. They make a funny sound when they snap the bug out of the air and I am not sure if it is a vocal sound or if it is the sound of their beak coming down on the insect. Anyone know? Like a popping sound.

http://kcfoggin.homestead.com/files/0322bluegraygnatcatcher.jpg

[Tammie]

Nice shot KC. I'v never seen these guys before.

[bcurrie]

Delightful photo KC. It is always fun to add a new bird to one's list.

[KCFoggin]

Thank you Tammie and Brian. Actually he looks much larger here than it actually is. It's about the size of a kinglet. Very tiny.

[oldsquaw]

They have a high pitch, faint, cat's meow sound.

[KCFoggin]

Morning Oldsquaw. I didn't hear anything like that coming from them. Just the snapping of their bills when they succeeding in catching their quarry. Which was quite often. Would love to keep these guys around during mosquito season.

[Sal]

Hmmnn - wish we had a few here during mozzie season too. Cute little bird and nice pic KC, as always.

[Dianne]

Congrats on the new bird! I love those little guys! I was lucky enough, last year, to spot a pair as they were constructing their nest. I continued to go back and watch them thru the whole nesting, incubation, and fledling process. It was very cool !!!

[Doug Lloyd]

Good Catch KC.
Doug

[KCFoggin]

Sal, I didn't see a one yesterday and it was back to the office today. So, so much for skeeter control :(

Dianne, the guides say they should be here year round but I just found out with my being so close to the ocean, I see a lot less than the guides say I should. More so because of the stiff ocean breezes. Nonetheless I was delighted for the treat.

Thanks Doug. I believe it was a fluke that they were here but I believe my neighbor pressure washing his deck got the bugs going and so attracted the gnatcatchers.

[ariddle]

I love these little birds too! They kind of remind me of miniature mockingbirds becuase of their coloring and long tails. They are very curious and quick. Glad they visited you KC, and glad you got a picture!
Alicia

[KCFoggin]

Thanks Alicia. I had a great afternoon watching them.

[Toucha kent]

great photo I also like to watch them we have a couple around here.