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, Sebastian County, ArkansasWet 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, Sebastian County, ArkansasWet 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.