Bird Walk at Hildene

The Gray Catbird is a mimic that can sound exactly like a cat meowing (thus the name) or other birds in the thrush family such as the Brown Thrasher, American Robin or Mockingbirds. The slim, mostly gray catbird sports a black cap, long tail and chestnut tailfeathers underneath at the rump. Although skulking and secretive when nesting, it will find a high perch for courtship singing. It winters in Central America.

“Sitting in the catbird seat” means having a superior or advantageous position (as in the top of a bush). It seems to have originated during baseball days in the 1940s when Red Barber announced the Dodger games over the radio and used the expression to mean “sitting pretty”—as a batter might feel with three balls and no strikes on him.

Meet at the Welcome Center. Appropriate for birders of all skill levels, the walks run along forest and meadow trails and around the main house. No registration required. Questions? Contact Stephanie at (802) 367-7960 or click to email.