Among the bustling noise of passing traffic, a warm breeze and a light drizzle of rain; quite a few birds seem to be singing.... Or is it just one bird?
This Northern Mockingbird has been perched a top this telephone pole since we got to the hotel around 4 PM. When we first arrived he was doing a mean song sparrow impression. A little while ago I went out and took this short video. He does his best white-breasted nuthatch among others.
Throughout much of the Southern United States, and apparently some of the Northeastern US as well, Northern Mockingbirds are very common. So much so that a lot of people don't really like them. I've always had a soft spot for this species so incredibly full of personality. I could listen to a mockingbird doing impressions all day long, in fact I'd rather watch that than a stand up comedians impressions.
Mockingbirds can not only imitate tons of different bird songs, they can also imitate specific species chirps. Among bird noises, they can also imitate artificial noises, such as car horns, alarms or phone ringtones. They are also known to sing at night, which is no doubt part of the reason they irritate some folks. These birds can learn up to 200 different bird songs in their lifetime.
In a small city near the state line, where folks come to buy liquor with no sales tax; there's so much more to be seen here. Mockingbirds in the busy areas, chimney swifts flying over down town. Mourning doves nesting above the hotel entrance. Even an occasional great-horned owl hunts in the down town area. So while most folks walk down the sidewalk looking in the shop windows, I'm looking up and all around at the wildlife around.
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