03/01/2026
March 2026 Calendar entry
The Honeysuckle Bush.
This day was magical! As I often do after a group birding adventure, I continued my time walking alone
along a lovely trail in Arvada. CO. I was drawn to the flowing creek water that lined the trail. This day was magical and full of beautiful discoveries. Walking along the trail this flowering honeysuckle bush, stood out to me as it stood alone with its branches outstretched as if it were reaching for the flowing creek waters below. Its branches were full of both buds and blooming light and dark pink flowers.
Along the same stretch of the trail, I could hear an unfamiliar bird sound ruffling through the distant bushes. I slowly followed the direction of the sound, careful not to disturb the moment. What I discovered next was pleasantly surprising. As is often the case, I capture a picture of my subject before fully knowing what I’ve encountered. I later learned that the Gray Catbird which gets its name from its cat like meow purr is a rather elusive bird. It likes to keep hidden among the brush. For me today it wandered out into open view onto the outer branch of the tree onto a barren tree mixed in with a lush green flowering honeysuckle bush. The Gray Catbird sat long enough for me to capture it. Its beautiful smooth light gray body was highlighted with a black patch on its crown. Both bird and bloom graced me as they and I were drawn in towards the peaceful flowing creek water.
I hope you enjoy this bloom and bird discovery.
The Honeysuckle bush, and discovering the elusive Gray Catbird in Arvada, Colorado 
