Mockingbirds ain't skeered 'a nuttin'

Looking at Barbara's hawk reminded me of a hawk shot I had that I couldn't resist putting a caption to.

https://www.cambridgeincolour.com/fo...1&d=1391651759

That, of course, reminded me of another.
https://www.cambridgeincolour.com/fo...9&d=1392010568

The mockingbird copies the song of other birds to frighten them out of their own territory by claiming it as if it were of another species. I've even heard one imitating an Eagle.

If that doesn't work, they attack and are fearless in doing so.

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Originally Posted by Saorsa

Looking at Barbara's hawk reminded me of a hawk shot I had that I couldn't resist putting a caption to.

https://www.cambridgeincolour.com/fo...1&d=1391651759

That, of course, reminded me of another.

Good capture and back story thanks for sharing.
https://www.cambridgeincolour.com/fo...9&d=1392010568

The mockingbird copies the song of other birds to frighten them out of their own territory by claiming it as if it were of another species. I've even heard one imitating an Eagle.

If that doesn't work, they attack and are fearless in doing so.

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Terrific captures, Brian. Must be a backstory to this drama.

Thanks for the laughs, Brian...you are back with your bag of tricks! I love it!!!

Nicely done.

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Originally Posted by Downrigger

Terrific captures, Brian. Must be a backstory to this drama.

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No real backstory. Mockingbirds are just very, very territorial and controlling their patch is the way they live. They will even attack humans who get near their nest. Once they've staked out an area they will attempt to physically drive everything else within 10 to 15 yards away.

They are called mockingbirds because they imitate the calls of other birds. This is their first line of defense. In the morning, they salute the dawn with a string of calls of their own and of other species. To the other birds, this sounds like another of their species has claimed the area and they will look for another place or try to hunt their 'rival' not realizing it is the mockingbird.

The hawk had just decided that he had found a nice high perch to wait for prey. It was too close to the mockingbirds nest and it was attacked.

The Osprey had been fishing unsuccessfully and sat on my mast for a while to dry out before resuming the hunt. The mockingbird didn't bother it in flight but as soon as it stopped it was game on.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Saorsa

[Mockingbirds] will even attack humans who get near their nest.

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No question about that. I have been dive bombed by them many times.

Informative info and great captures.

Irene

You've captured the essence of mockingbird behavior well. Recently, I saw a coyote being harried by a mocker, and the coyote was running away. Of course, I didn't have my camera, which is when stuff frequently happens!

Hilarious, the caption made me laugh! Another very brash and "ballsey" bird is crows. I've seen them come up to bald eagles and tug on their tail feathers!