Gray Catbirds are often heard before they are seen.

Sometimes they are even heard and never seen.

For a relatively large bird they are good at staying hidden.

Gray Catbirds like to stay hidden deep in thick bushes and shrubs.

But they have very distinct bird song and calls so you know when you hear one even if you never see it.

Because Gray Catbirds are often so secretive I was very surprised when this Gray Catbird emerged and stayed right in plain sight long enough for some great photos.

Photo data: Nikon D500. 300mm f/4. Focal length 420mm. ISO 400. 1/640 sec. f/5.6.