Mockingbird

[northerner2]

Possibly the same one as visits the back garden all summer, but I was very surprised to see a mockingbird at my water fountain this morning. He seemed to enjoy having a drink and stayed for a while. Didn't bother with the seed supply though, nor the suet.

I thought they were migratory.

[Bird Brain]

I've been seeing a Mockingbird here at Lake Aquitaine lately.  

Saw a Mockingbird at Riverwood Park last weekend.

Also saw a Mockingbird at Lake Wabukayne back in early December.

So ... they're around!  

[tleeder]

We have a pair of Mockingbirds that set up camp in our neighbourhood park here in Meadowvale each fall - leaving early spring.  Judging by their markings via close up pics and observation - they look to be the same pair the past few years.  I see at least one of them sometimes both together everyday I take my lab for a walk.

[Bird Brain]

Hi "tleeder".

Sent you a PM re: Riverwood Park.  The place has lots of birds and wildlife lately!

Jo-Anne  

[northerner2]

We have a pair of Mockingbirds that set up camp in our neighbourhood park here in Meadowvale each fall - leaving early spring.  Judging by their markings via close up pics and observation - they look to be the same pair the past few years.  I see at least one of them sometimes both together everyday I take my lab for a walk.

That sounds like a reverse migration !!!   :?  Unless they moved south from points north....and forgot to keep going !

[norman]

I did a lot of research on the invasion of these perky mimids into Ontario, and it's true -- mockers are our newest permanent resident. It's a lot like the Northern Cardinal story (first Ontario nest discovered in or near -- I'm not pulling out the mocker file for this post -- Point Pelee in 1903 or close to it), one difference being point of entry; across the Detroit River for cardies, through Niagara for the subject of my curiosity at the time. Well, I've had a love affair with these pugnacious critters ever since I saw my first one flying across I-75 in Georgia in 1978 or was it 1979 ... My aunt goes berserk at the sight of them -- we've had several vehicular incidents over the years, one which was a very, very close call (I think I saw the guy with the scythe standing in a snowbank as we spun 'round and 'round and ... very close call).


They switch their diet to almost 100% fruit (multiflora rosehips top the menu) during winter in the Toronto area, then go 70% arthropods from the first day they see them moving in Spring.


If you want them to visit feeders, you need a good variety of fruit to place in a separate "Mockingbirds Only" tray, placed well away from the seed snacks. In another display of their kick-ass ways, a feeder story: a lone mocker vs. three Blue Jays, a dispute at the chow tray, the crested hooligans leaving the scene quite hastily, so believe me on this). I've seen one chase a house cat out of Greenwood Park in mid-winter, and other mammals, including unsuspecting humans, have felt their apparent wrath. I think it adds to their charm. They obviously have the best seats at the "Fill A Niche -- Any Niche" table.


Next (possible) permanent resident: probably the European Collared-Dove. No idea (at this time) how that's going to work out ... relentless cooing, rising feeder bills, cooing everywhere, more incessant cooing ...

[tleeder]

I had always just assumed this particular pair must have migrated here in Meadowvale as "south" during the winter months and in the spring head way up north during summer months.  Some time in late March their gone just like that!  About late November early December I start to see them again pretty well day after day walking my lab...  Anyway, their friendly to my lab and I we can get very close with binocs or camera for pics - althought never too close out of respect and ethics to where I believe they have pitched their tent for the winter.

[Kin Lau]

There's a few fairly regular pairs of Mockingbirds in the GTA, most are skittish. I usually see them at Col Sam, Scarboro Bluffs and there's a very skittish one at the north end of Hall's Rd in Whitby

[Bird Brain]

There's a few fairly regular pairs of Mockingbirds in the GTA, most are skittish. I usually see them at Col Sam, Scarboro Bluffs and there's a very skittish one at the north end of Hall's Rd in Whitby

Kin, re: skittish ... I noticed that at Riverwood Park and Lake Wabukayne - plus some other locations but definitely NOT with the Mockingbird at Lake Aquitaine! ... flew right across the front of my face, landed on the bridge railing (a few inches to my right), seemed totally calm and relaxed, had a good long drink of water (melted snow) - not beer.   :lol: :wink:  Then proceeded to once again fly right across the front of my face to the other side of the bridge.  People walking by were asking what type of bird it is and commenting that they've never seen one before.  

Jo-Anne

[Kin Lau]

I've had the pair of Mockingbirds @ Col Sam and the Juv @ Scarb Bluffs just sit there right next to the road and pathways somedays with not a care in the world, but other days, you couldn't get within a 100ft.

[Bird Brain]

I've had the pair of Mockingbirds @ Col Sam and the Juv @ Scarb Bluffs just sit there right next to the road and pathways somedays with not a care in the world, but other days, you couldn't get within a 100ft.

They must be PMS'ing!   :shock:  

Sorry, I'm more warped than normal lately - and that's a scary thing!  Have been consuming way too much chocolate.   :lol:

[Bird Brain]

Saw a Mockingbird in my mom's backyard apple tree on Saturday morning.  (Mississauga - Mavis/Rathburn area.)  

Nice!