Wet Northern Mockingbird. Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these birds from singing or coming to feed at my friend Steve Creek’s feeders.
Wet Northern Mockingbird in a spring rain – Nikon D500, f6.3, 1/800, ISO 2500, Nikkor 500mm VR, natural light
Okay, okay. It doesn’t snow all that often where Steve lives, but these mockingbirds stick around his yard and garden practically all year long.
The day I photographed this adult Mockingbird was very wet; it rained for most of the day. It was a gentle, soaking rain, but most of the birds did get pretty soaked. That didn’t stop them from coming to Steve’s seed or suet feeders though.
This mockingbird surprised me by going to the top of the piece of driftwood instead of heading straight to the suet feeder like it normally did. I’m glad I got these images of it on top of the driftwood.
Wet Northern Mockingbird in Arkansas – Nikon D500, f6.3, 1/640, ISO 3200, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR, natural light
Now, I know these mockingbird images don’t depict this bird with dry, perfect plumage. What my photos do show, though, is that birds survive—even thrive—in all kinds of weather conditions.
I feel the same way about taking photos of birds in snow, fog, or even when they are molting their feathers. Each image of the birds I photograph tells a story—the real story of their daily lives. Sometimes, that isn’t picture-perfect.
And that is alright with me.
I have more photos of Northern Mockingbirds to edit that were taken in Steve’s wonderful and amazing yard. I am deeply grateful that Steve shared the magic of sitting on his deck photographing birds with me.
Thank you, Creek! I truly and sincerely appreciate your generosity.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Northern Mockingbird photos plus facts and information about this species.
I love these shots. Seeing the Mockingbird cope with the rain makes the pic even more beautiful. Thanks Mia.
What delightful images you and April have painted for my mind’s eye. I’ve been enjoying visits from Black Phoebe fledglings and their parents. Life is wonderful. 😃
Sounds amazing. I hope Haley will creates a similar viewing space at my parents. One was there but has become overgrown and unused by humans. It was one of my favorite spots growing up. I spent whole days reading, doing artwork even napping in lawn chairs surrounded by birds. My grandmother created the space, her bedroom was an added inclosed porch every wall was windows or doors. I don’t know what the original room was used for by the pioneers who built it. All windows looked out into the grassy patch filled with the flowers my grandmother planted and a canopy of native trees and bushes. She had bird feeders where she put out fresh fruit, stale bread, home made suet and the bird seed from her canaries. My parents put out patio furniture and we ate many meals there.
Birds (and wildlife generally) frequently make me ashamed of my complaints about weather…
You’re very welcome! I’m so glad you enjoyed the experience. There’s something truly special about watching birds from the deck, and I’m thrilled we could share that magic together. Here’s to many more moments appreciating the beauty of nature!
Thanks, Creek!