"I hope you love birds too. It is economical. It saves going to heaven."
Emily Dickinson

Thursday, May 19, 2011

All-night songfest keeping you awake?

A Northern Mockingbird sings his heart out near Charlotte, NC. Photo by JJ Meyer
     If endless singing has been keeping you up at night this spring, the culprit is likely a Northern Mockingbird. It has a vocal repertoire of more than 400 songs and can imitate other birds, barking dogs and even musical instruments. Generally it's a male singing all night, especially during the breeding season when it's trying to attract a mate. His songfests continue throughout the nesting season to defend it's territory and reinforce the pair bond with its mate. So if you have a resident mockingbird in your yard, the best you can do is close the window or buy earplugs, because the singing will not likely fade until July.
     Happy birding!
     JJ

1 comment:

  1. Hi JJ!
    My mother is Mary Huske. She sent me a link to one of your articles and I found your blog. I enjoy backyard birding and I have found a new passion in photographing birds and nature.

    I love Northern Mockingbirds. They are year round residents of GA. In spring, I wake at 5 am to their beautiful songs. I would love to share some of my photography with you.

    Maggie (Huske) Van Zandt
    Kennesaw GA

    ReplyDelete