Outdoor Ontario

Birding Reports => Backyard Birding => Topic started by: Rob'in'To on December 07, 2014, 06:15:42 PM

Title: Mockingbird... no berries
Post by: Rob'in'To on December 07, 2014, 06:15:42 PM
We have a Northern Mockingbird visiting again this season.  Unfortunately our Holly bush did not produce many berries this year and the supply is done.  Pondering what else to offer him and how.  Platform feeder near bush with dried fruit?  Blueberry?  Red currant?  Or?  

We had one all of last winter with us and had an ample supply of berries to help him along.  

Any advice/suggestions welcomed.
Title: Re: Mockingbird... no berries
Post by: Paul O'Toole on December 07, 2014, 06:40:39 PM
Dried fruit grapes or raisins on a platform feeder will attract it. Also apples or pomegranates using a fruit feeder will work also.
Title: Re: Mockingbird... no berries
Post by: candidpets on December 29, 2014, 03:32:46 PM
mocking bird in winter?
Title: Re: Mockingbird... no berries
Post by: Rob'in'To on January 05, 2015, 08:57:12 AM
Thanks Paul.  I've been meaning to comment back again since you replied.  I've tried apples, cut up grapes and cranberries.  The visits are sporadic and I can never quite tell if he's getting any of the offerings.  The Squirrels are finding everything first and even stuff they don't eat, they grab and mess around with, then leave on the ground.  But it's nice to see the bird is still around.

Yes candidpets, this is the second winter we've had a Mockingbird come visiting.  They are still around the Toronto area through this time of year.
Title: Re: Mockingbird... no berries
Post by: Rotarran on January 05, 2015, 02:09:41 PM
Agreed.  I see one near work and one near home throughout the year.  Also at least 2 are seen at Downsview park pretty much all year round too.
Title: Re: Mockingbird... no berries
Post by: Brian Bailey on January 05, 2015, 03:53:29 PM
Mockingbirds are generally considered non-migratory, but they are far less conspicuous in winter.  No singing from the tree tops or lamp posts unless it's a sunny, spring-like day.  

BB
Title: Re: Mockingbird... no berries
Post by: Leslie on January 19, 2015, 05:00:56 PM
I was wondering if anybody had seen mockingbirds this winter.
I had a winter regular but I haven't seen if for a couple of years.
Title: Re: Mockingbird... no berries
Post by: Walter Fisher on January 21, 2015, 11:34:55 PM
That title is very appropriate for my visitor in the yard this morning.  A Mockingbird showed up near the feeders but sadly there were no berries for it to eat.  I don't normally put any out.

Walter :)