Calling Northern MockingbirdCalling Northern Mockingbird – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/1250, ISO 400, +1. EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, not baited or called in

When I lived in Florida I saw Northern Mockingbirds all the time but they are not so common here in Utah and typically I only see a pair or two during the whole breeding season. Yesterday I photographed a very obliging Northern Mockingbird on Antelope Island State Park that seemed to have a lot to say with his song. Mockingbirds will mimic the calls and songs other birds, mechanical sounds, the vocalizations of non-avian species and the sounds of other mockingbirds.

While I photographed this presumed male; females don’t vocalize as loud or as often as males, I could hear the calls of other birds. I heard this mockingbird vocalize the songs and calls of Loggerhead Shrikes, American Kestrels, Killdeer, Northern Flickers, the flight call of American Pipits and what appeared to be a Scrub Jay. I am sure there were more songs and calls of other species during this Northern Mockingbird’s repertoire but I was also trying to focus on photographing the mockingbird.

Perhaps the next time I have an opportunity to photograph a Northern Mockingbird I should record the song with my phone. Until then you can hear some of the sounds that Northern Mockingbirds make here.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Northern Mockingbird photos plus facts and information about this species.