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Sunday, May 2, 2010

Hiding Out

 One of the most territorial birds in my backyard is the Northern Mockingbird. And when they have a nest nearby they seem to turn it up another notch or two. They aggressively harass birds that intrude on their territories, flying towards them  flaunting their bright white wing patches and squawking like mockingbirds do.

I've noticed some of these turf wars going on in the back corner of my property recently and decided (with caution) to take a closer look. I inspected the area for a nest and what I stumbled upon was even better - little fledglings!

These little mockingbirds were hiding out in my elaeagnus shrubs.

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Look closely below and you can see another one buried deep within the shrub.

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Here's another...look closely.

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Needless to say, they were well protected within the shrub and the parents provided another barrier of protection from outside.

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I counted three all together, but there could have been more. I didn't wont to continue stressing mom and dad out or their young. I stepped backed and watched for a while as mom and dad continued to feed them in the shrubs. They will continue to care for their young until they are able to do so for themselves. This is the case with most birds. The parents will continue to feed and watch over their young even after they leave the safety of the nest.

Have a great weekend and be sure to visit Birdfreak's Bird Photography Weekly (#88) to see more bird photos!

 

13 comments:

Unknown said...

Nice shots of the babies. Cute.

eileeninmd said...

Cool sightings of the baby mockers! I have one hanging around my yard too.

mick said...

Great photos of the little fledglings. Lots of birds get much more aggressive when they have young. Good for them - but not so good for the bird watcher!

Kelly said...

...just adorable. It's great you were watching their behavior so closely. I've never seen a baby Mockingbird...loved the photos!

Connie said...

What a delightful treat to see!

Mary said...

Very cute! I've never seen a baby mockingbird.

Les said...

You will likely not want to read the following. When I was growing up we had a Basset Hound, and when she was very old and could barely walk, a mockingbird would peck her on the head constantly while she was out. She could not out run the pecking so my dad took matters into his own hands with a BB gun.

Alan Pulley said...

Thanks DK!

Hi Eileen, their fun to watch but can be aggressive – so watch out!

Mick, I would have to agree!

Thanks Kelly, Connie & Mary; it’s been fun to watch them.

Les, your story reminds me of a similar one of my own. I remember visiting my grandmother back when I was younger & she kept complaining that a mockingbird was chasing all the other songbirds from her yard & none were visiting her bird feeder as a result. Without going into the details, this story ended the same way yours did, with my dad taking matter into his own hands.

Larry said...

Great find Alan! This is my favorite time of year for birding. All the baby birds, adults feeding their young. It just doesn't get any better for bird watchers!

I love that first shot with the baby crown feathers.

Nellie from Beyond My Garden said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Nellie from Beyond My Garden said...

Thanks for signing up for my blog. I am returning the favor. Those are some tough looking little mocking birds. You have some nice shots. In Charleston WV my the local mocking bird learned to "mock" my mom whistling for our dog. It was confusing if the dog was with us in the yard.
http://beyondmygarden.blogspot.com/

Ali said...

Great shots, I just love Mockingbirds!

0ceana said...

lovely bird and beautiful captures. I also had somewhat similar experience with house sparrow baby. You may watch my blog on same @ http://0ceana.blogspot.com/p/common-house-sparrow.html