GRAY CATBIRDS & BIRDBATHS ON ABACO: HANDY FOR A DRINK OR A DIP
The birdbaths at Delphi are not as popular as the feeders, but certain species seem to make the most of them. Among the frequent users are Greater Antillean Bullfinches, Black-faced Grassquits and Gray Catbirds Dumetella carolinensis. The bird above and in the next 2 photos was one of several species using the poolside birdbath on a hot day. It seemed to pause after taking a drink, as if to enjoy the water trickling down their throats (or is that just me and Kalik?).
This Gray Catbird started the day with a good drink at the birdbath near The Shack. There seems to be a certain amount of gargling and dribbling going on, but clearly it is enjoying some fresh cool water. 
This catbird was tempted to the birdbath at the far side of the pool on a very hot afternoon. Not just to drink from, but actually to get in for a dip. And then a major bout of splashing about… Note the characteristic russet undertail coverts of this bird, also visible on the header bird. And if you want to know how this species got its name and what it sounds like, this will explain all…
David Bradley Xeno-Canto
All photos: RH
ROLLING HARBOUR ABACO 
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Love that last photo!
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Love your photos, you got some great shots. I have found birds hard to get them to pose for the camera.
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Thanks for calling in at Rolling Harbour. I think it’s more a question of just waiting until the bird is doing something interesting, then taking plenty of shots and junking most of them! RH
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Really liked your photos. I love the Cat bird’s color!
Alan
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Thanks for that. I’m always surprised at the variety of their colouring, from pale gray to quite dark charcoal. And some have both. Maybe it depends on the light… RH
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Just going out to check the water level in the backyard birdbath (already refilled the front yard one). So hot now have to check twice a day to make sure water isn’t all gone. So nice to see them splashing around in their own personal swimming pool or having a long, cool drink 🙂
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You certainly treat them well, Gina! 😎
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Beautiful and so cute the sets of photos! Thanks for sharing. 🙂 Kamila
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It was fun to concentrate on a bit of quality birdbath activity. I’d never really noticed that stance they have when drinking. Glad you liked the pics. RH
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