Evening star., 1948-04-13
This and That
Bu Charles E. TraceDeu

Inquiries have been received as to the average
date of the arrival here of the catbrd -
Over the years, the date has been April 22,
but it changes from year to year.
We may expect the catbird almost any day
now. The earliest that one ever has been seen
in this vicinity was March IA: the latest
December 6. The average disappearance is
October Is.
The catbrd is true prince Of the American
bird world.
An increasing number of persons are learning
to like him. It is a curious fact that this flne
fellow has to make his own way.
He does not come to us as the cardinal does,
with plenty of publicity to introduce him.
No "ahs" and "ohs' greet him, as a general
thing.
His odd cries, and his quiet grays and blacks,
fail to bring forth the praise OF those persons
who find it necessary to gush.
In time he usually wins, because ne Is the
fine fellow he Is, and really should not be
forced to extend himself.
+
The mockingbird is known to every one as
great singer but the humble catbird, despite
his ability along this line, is held to be the
producer of just one simple CALL peculiar
meow"
Nothing could be farther from the truth.
The catbird is not only cousin of the mocker,
but actually sings almost as well
In fact, much of the summer singing attrib-
uted to the mockingbird Is produced by the
throat of the catbird.
Catsie shares with the bluejay a sense Of
humor
He shows this mostly in his singing, rather
than in his actions.
His songs, much the same in general charac-
ter as those OF the more celebrated mocker,
are quite different. since they contain odd
sounds well in keeping with his elusive char
acter.
Some one has said that he "sings Chinese"
This may or may not be good characteriza-
ton. Perhaps it depends upon what sort Of
real Chinese singing one has heard.
The harsh notes introduced by the catbrd
will seem good or bad, according to the human
listeners general conception of music.
If music means to one simply pleasant
sounds, it may sound much worse that the
song of the mocker
If the listener on the other ear likes a bit
OF dissonace now and then-and surely this
is in the more modern mood-he will welcome
the odd gutteral mewings of the catsie.
The bird is said to slink. but we believe that
this is because he is sleek, much as the
grackle is
Birds which are sinuous. and whose pos
turings result in neck curving, are usually
regarded as sneaks. and sometimes they are.
The catbird is held by some to be a nest
robber, but we have seen his own nest robbed
many times, to none the other way
Catbirds have a habit of building their nests
in shrubbery close to houses. Often the sites
chosen are easily open to the inroads of
prowling animals.
Some protective care must be given them II
they are to bring their families to flying size
The catbird, with his black cap puts the
nest within 10 feet of the ground often as
low as feet, perhaps the favorite height. The
eggs are four or five, occasionally six. They
are blue green, but darker than those of the
robin. The nest Is large, constructed of dry
leaves, grasses and roots, and lined with finer
roots and grasses.
Catbirds like raisins. They take quantities
of them to the nest Catsie is something of
a show-off. He will select plainly visible
branch to do his singing and will not retreat
unless the watcher comes tooa near.
The beauty of this species grows upon the
beholder. We have known many persons who
processing to dislike the bird on general prin-
ciples. in time have come to regard him very
highly.
Friends of house cats, In particular, should
find enjoyment in watching this one, because
of his cry, his soft cat coloring, and the
unfortunate fact that he loses many of his
helpless babies to their furred friends These
watchers, of all people, should do most to
protect the catbird and his nest by watching
their house cats closely. and keeping them in,
If necessary, during the six weeks Of nesting.