Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis), Flagstaff, Coconino County

This Gray Catbird has been coming to Diane Poleyquiva's bird bath in the Timberline area about 8 miles east of Flagstaff since 25 June 2008.  She was able to photograph it on 21 July 2008.

Although Gray Catbird breeds in the Eagar-Springerville area in Arizona, it is very rare in the rest of the state.  However, one summered along the Rio de Flag near Museum of Northern Arizona 8 June to 20 August 2005 and three were at Logan's Crossing on the East Rio de Flag from 30 June to 30 August 2007.  These long-staying birds suggest that nesting is a possibility in the Flagstaff region.

Gray Catbird is an ABC Sketch Details species when seen away from its regular breeding area.

Submitting photos to AZFO does not constitute reporting a rare bird for consideration as an official record. To ensure that a record becomes official, details or photos of Sketch Details Species should be sent to the Editors of North American Birds and a full report of Review Species should be submitted to the Arizona Bird Committee. Most rare birds are under _documented and subsequent observers of a rarity are always encouraged to submit reports and additional photos, especially for birds that are challenging to identify.

21 July 2008, photos by Diane Poleyquiva