In The Catbird Seat

cat·bird (kat′bʉrd′) A slate-gray North American passerine bird (Dumetella carolinensis) with a black crown and tail: it makes a mewing sound like that of a cat  Catbirds have the habit of finding very high places to sing their songs.  Therefore, a human “catbird” is somebody in a prominent, showy position. 

catbird seat – an enviable position, as of power. Popularized by sportscaster Red Barber, it first appeared in print in a 1942 short story by James Thurber.

The feathered creature is a handsome bird.  And I’ve known a lot of human catbirds.  But we have a different sort of catbird around here.  Ours is mostly white, with a slate gray tail and spots. 

Like the feathered catbird, it makes a mewing sound.  Our special variety also makes it a habit of finding very high places, and likes being in a prominent, showy position.

It’s just that sometimes, those prominent positions are a little strange, but in this case, totally apropos for a catbird in the catbird seat…

Yes, one morning when I came back in from doing chores, on the back porch I found our catbird, Spot, in a birdcage that I use as a travel cage for the parrot and for orphan chicks.

Technically, as you can see on the label, this birdcage is meant to house medium birds. 

I think perhaps our catbird may be a little large for this particular cage, but he seems to like an occasional snug fit, and doesn’t mind being in jail as long as the door is open.

And from this look, I’m guessing he’s saying…

“You got a problem with that?”

.
[affmage source=”ebay” results=”3″]cat bird[/affmage]