Mockingbird Magnet

So I begin with an American Crow. Without backyard bird feeding action, I find myself raising the camera at anything, anywhere.

Rushed to the edge of the deck. A HAWK? Pffffft.

It’s quiet in the yard but there is one bird who hasn’t left. Not for an hour. Not for a day. I must be a Mocker magnet.

I’ve posted numerous Mockingbird photos in the past, some of them quite good, and have rambled on about them several times here. Why? Because wherever I go, they’re always with me, eyeing me up and posing for a photo. They’re dramatic, flashy, and aggressive but sing the sweetest melodies most of the year. Now is their quiet time.

Don’t think I don’t see you, weird lady.

Here’s a Mocker,

there’s a Mocker,

everywhere, another Mocker.

Last spring, there was one territorial guy who bullied the rest of the birds away from all food. This went on for several weeks while no one ate except him, and during that time I found a pile of gray feathers in the grass after a Cooper attack. Before I examined the feathers closely and discovered there was one less Mourning Dove on earth, I remember feeling overjoyed about the possible death of that one Mockingbird. To this day, I regret wishing the worst for him… How could I ?

Could this be the same bird I see every day? I don’t know as there are so many. It’s on a constant vigil, perched on a feederless feeder post. Perhaps it’s protecting the berries nearby.

It’s a banner year for berries here. Last year there were none and now we have quite an assortment.

Got any grapes? I pose for grapes. Or toss me some Skippers I can grab in midair. I'm up for it.

How about some peanut suet or those little worms I like? Huh?

Wait! Don’t take my picture just yet.

This is post #401 since October 2006, for what it's worth. In my usual haste, I breezed through #400, forgetting to mention this tidbit of info. It's been a very long and challenging week at the office. I nearly fell asleep putting this post together but there's only one day to bear before the weekend ;-) Enjoy!