In my younger days living in California, I loved hearing mockingbirds. We left the Golden State in 1992 and moved first to Oregon and then later to Idaho, and I haven't heard a mockingbird in those decades since. Once, briefly, I heard one sing when I was down visiting my parents a few years ago in Southern California, but that's it. They simply don't live in (or rarely visit) Idaho.
Or so I thought. But for the last couple of days, we've had an unknown bird singing its absolute heart out, right in a pine tree off our deck. It's lovely to hear, but I couldn't see it.
This morning I was able to spot it and photograph it from below.
Sure looks like a mockingbird. Here's a photo from the Wikipedia page:
According to this website, mocking birds have a "transient" presence in this part of Idaho, with no breeding evidence. They are definitely more southern birds, hence why I always heard them in California. However, this website points out they are definitely native to Idaho, though far, far more frequent in the southern part of the state and certainly not breeding this far north.
Whether or not I've mis-identified this bird, I must stay it's absolutely delightful to listen to. I hope it stays.
UPDATE: I was unaware catbirds had such a wide repertoire of sounds. I listened to this video at the same time the "mockingbird" was singing right off our deck, and the calls matched. So yes, it appears to be a catbird rather than a mockingbird. Thank you to all who correctly identified it!
sure looks like one
ReplyDeleteLooks like a gray Catbird, a relative of the Mockingbird and it also mimics other birds.
ReplyDeleteYep, looks like a gray catbird to me, too.
DeleteI enjoy your blog very much. Have you considered using the Merlin app on your phone. It is a free app that captures bird calls and identifies the bird.
ReplyDeleteI would, except we don't have smart phones. Just a "dumb" flip phone for roadside emergencies.
Delete- Patrice
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ReplyDeleteYou're a Jerk!
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DeleteYou should have brought the cat inside and let the bird leave. Unless it was protecting a nest.
DeleteThere are a lot of mockingbirds here in Alabama, but they never dive bomb my cat. Cats are predators for birds and they don't tend to be stupid enough to attack one, unless they are protecting their young.
I don't think you're just a jerk. I don't think your brain was very engaged.
Please don't repeat this behavior.
A sparrow doesn't fall to the ground without our Creator noticing. We will give account someday for every word spoken and every deed done. Best to repent now than store up trouble for later on.
You really are a jerk! I can hear your wife to your kids..Now kids, don't bother the cat or talk too loud cuz dad will take you out! I hope you don't even have a family cuz your cruelty is beyond words. Jerk!
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DeleteDid you try talking to it with short whistles? if it is a mockingbird it will try to mimic you, I was surprised to find mockingbirds on the island of Kauai a few years ago when I was working over there.
ReplyDeleteAs others said, it's a catbird. Another bird that can perfectly mimic numerous other species is the European Starling, we have millions of them in my area due to farms/dairies, but we have a few pairs that nest on our property and a few of them will sit outside of their nests and mimic every other species that is found in the area.
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