This is a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. It is a very small bird at only 4.5” long. Its long tail catches your eye with its white outer feathers and near constant motion. It also sports a white eye-ring.
Gnatcatchers first get my attention by their “pshuit” sound. It’s about the same as if you were trying to quietly catch someone’s attention. Then, my eyes watch to see its erratic movements from branch to branch snatching insects with its short, sharp bill.
It lays its eggs and raises its young in a small circular nest decorated with lichens.
Fortunately, these birds are here year-round. Happy birding!
Peace River Audubon Activities:
• Thursday, March 12, 9 -11 a.m., Dr. Bill Dunson leads the walk at Amberjack Environmental Park, 6450 Gasparilla Pines Blvd., Cape Haze.
• Thursday, March 19, 6:15 p.m. refreshments, 7 p.m. program, “Where We Live” by naturalist Reinier Munguia, at the Regional Realtors Education Center, 3320 Loveland Blvd., Port Charlotte.
• Saturday, March 21, 7 a.m., early Field Trip, to see Red-cockaded Woodpeckers, Babcock Webb Wildlife Management Area with Dave Lancaster, 29200 Tuckers Grade, Punta Gorda. ($6 fee/car)
• Saturday, March 28, 9 – 11 a.m., Dr. Bill Dunson leads the walk at Curry Creek Preserve East, 1500 Pinebrook Rd, Venice.
• Every Saturday, 8:30 a.m., Rob Mills leads a nature walk at Audubon Pennington Park, 1153 Alton Rd., Port Charlotte.
You do not have to be a member of PRAS to join us. Participation is free, and registration is not needed. Visit the website at http://www.peaceriveraudubonsociety.org for all the details, or you can contact fellow BSM resident Rick Read, at 574-870-2695 for information or car-pooling. Photos by Rick Read
