Over the past several weeks, this Northern Mockingbird has grown increasingly territorial at my friend Steve Creek’s bird feeders. It has become a terror bird!
Staring Northern Mockingbird at a feeder – Canon R7, f8, 1/60, ISO 800, Canon 100-400mm at 340mm, natural light
For a while, she or he was not attacking the Carolina Wrens or Carolina Chickadees. Now, though, she or he flies in and chases off every bird that shows up near the feeder and birdbath.
The mockingbird once flew so close to Steve that he could feel the air move beside his head.
That kind of aggressive territorial behavior was something I got used to while living in Florida, but that was during the nesting season. It is not nesting season here for mockingbirds and won’t be for several months.
This mockingbird waits patiently, often staying out of sight, hidden in the trees. When an unsuspecting bird flies in to grab something to eat, the mockingbird swoops in and chases them away.
The Northern Mockingbird is acting like a jerk. I may have to name this individual mockingbird, Mockzilla! She or he has earned that nickname.
Suet and mealworms are the only food I have seen this mockingbird eat, but that doesn’t stop the mocker from chasing away others at the seed feeders, birdbath, or even those eating seeds on the ground.
I’m seriously half-expecting the mockingbird to dive at me when I’m in the yard or garden. The stare I got while photographing her or him could have sent chills down my spine.
Maybe Steve and I should start filming the mockingbird when they fly in. We could co-produce a show for TV or YouTube and call it “When Mockzilla Attacks – The World Turns” or something equally silly.
This is the kind of birdy drama that makes me laugh.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Northern Mockingbird photos plus facts and information about this species.
Related Posts
OTHER USERS BOUGHT THIS!!!
[ source_link]
