Feathers and Fuzz

one woman's cure for the empty-nester blues

Northern Mockingbird

Northern Mockingbird Assumes OMB Position

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I’ve been saving a lot of money on bird food this past week or so.  A Northern Mockingbird has assumed the position of OMB.  He, and only he, may eat.  Frankly, with the exception of meal worms, he doesn’t eat a lot.

It is normal around here for the Mockingbird to drive the Bluebirds away from the feeders.  They both love mealworms and, as we have seen, those Bluebirds can empty a cup of worms in short order.  I don’t recall a time, however, when the Mockingbird has gone after ALL the birds.

Currently, the management activity goes like this:  Mockingbird chases away the birds.  Pit bull chases away the Mockingbird.  I so love balance.

There’s Good News – There’s Bad News

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I have always been one to want to hear the bad news first.  I like the good news last -- ending on a high note.  So, you'll have to follow my lead.  The BIG BAD news is this ...

He's Back!!

Bear is Back - July 2018
Bear on his back July 2018

AND ... He appears to be QUITE comfy here

I will share some video in the coming weeks, but I have to say ... so far he has been quite the gentleman.  Except for the mangling of the trash can, he has carefully pulled the lid off the plastic food containers inside the trash can (no chomping) ... and ... he has even nicely carried them into the woods by their handle.

Even so ... in spite of (Garden) Daddy Bluebird's STRONG objection ... tonight I took his babies (house and all) into the safety of my basement. They are sleeping nicely and safely.  I seriously PRAY my basement is safe!!!  I would tell you I am selling this house if this isn't the case ... but you already know my promises are worthless.

So, for now, that's the bad news.

The Good News Is ...

It has been so fun to watch the juvenile birds appearing at the birdbath and feeders.  I love to watch them explore the world on their own ... boldly behaving as their elders would.

In the feature video, a juvenile Red-bellied Woodpecker and a juvenile Northern Mockingbird co-exist.  The Red-bellied is a bit more prepared to do battle than the Mockingbird ... until the juvenile Bluebird shows up.  Then ... for whatever Hatfield-and-McCoy history exists between the Mockingbird Clan and the Bluebird Clan ... the Mockingbird is NOT going to allow the Bluebird into his territory.  It's such a fun contrast to the re-appearance of the black bear.