Blue-gray Gnatcatcher in North Houston Area

I was outside yesterday doing a little birdwatching and saw a number of decent birds. I started with the standard birds that are on my property.  I have a number of Cardinals and Tufted Titmice that have reproduced and produced at least one clutch and I believe the cardinals have had two.  I was watching the juveniles and there were some that were still following the adults asking to be fed, and other more mature birds who were more self sufficient.

At some point there was a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher on the Gazebo.  It was flitting around the jasmine and them flew to the top of the gazebo where it was chased by an immature Cardinal.  It was eventually chased off and I didn't see it again.

I saw the neighbors and after talking for a while I asked permission to bird on their property.  They have a small pond and I expected to find some birds there.  While I was there, I saw a pair of Pileated Woodpeckers.  I rarely see them at home and my next door neighbors have a pair! 

After the Pileateds flew off I heard a splash in the pond.  I went and looked and found a Yellow-billed Cuckoo at the site.  It took off after a minute or so.

As I was walking back home I heard a bird calling in the woods of my other next door neighbors.  I was able to get on their property because the barbed wire fence between out properties stops at my property line so there isn't one next door. Anyways, I heard a Red-eyed Vireo but did not see it.  While in there, a number of Carolina Chickadees were flying around and another or the same Blue-grey Gnatcatcher was up in the trees looking for insects to eat.  I took some really bad dark pictures  and then had to go home  I posted the days birds on eBird and found out that the Gnatcatcher was an unusual find.  I got an email from Ron  Weeks from eBird asking more questions about my sighting  .He wrote:

David - What was the gnatcatcher doing?  I expect they could be nesting as I had
family groups on the Waller/Grimes County line this past week too.  For some
reason these birds used to nest in the UTC and I have gotten no summer reports
in years.  Would be interested if you see or hear it again.  - Ron

I went out after work today and heard a pileated woodpecker calling from the back.  Within 20 secinds, I heard a Red-bellied Woodpecker and a Downy Woodpecker, as well as the Red-headed Woodpecker at my feeder respond. vocally.

  Later, I saw not one but TWO Blue-gray Gnatchtchers in the trees of my backyard.  They were chasing each other and playing and just having a great old time.  I assume there will be babies in July.  Speaking of babies, I saw a juvenile Red-bellied Woodpecker following an adult around begging for food. 

12:30 AM - June 29, 2009 - post comment

Great luck!

I love the chase scene in the first photo. It feels lively, and the size difference is captivating. It does sound like you might have gnatcatchers nesting in the area.

As for the cuckoo, that's a great shot and a bit of luck. Mostly heard and rarely seen, it's always a pleasure when you're in the right place at the right time to snap a photo as one sneaks out of the shadows long enough to be recognized. Very cool.


- Jason
xenogere.com

Anonymous - 9:33 AM - July 3, 2009