Losing sleep? Mockingbirds might be to blame

A Northern mockingbird sings its little heart out.  Photo by J.J. Meyer

Is an all-night song fest keeping you awake at night?

The noisy 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 that sings all night, especially during the breeding season when it's trying to attract a mate.

But you can expect his song fests to continue throughout the nesting season in an effort 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