Wildlife Chronicles of Salem, AL: The Mockingbirds

This morning, while drinking my coffee on the back patio, during my daily SLLS halt, I observed mockingbirds, conducting area denial operations.

Two sizable mockingbirds (maybe a couple?) controlled the land and airspace of my backyard and the neighbors.

They aggressively drove off other birds and maintained positive control of the land and air, in their sector of operations.

Opposition was mainly from smaller sparrows, who attempted to establish a foothold in the contested area.

The sparrows were defeated repeatedly and decisively, in a series of small engagements, which resulted in the tactical withdrawal of all sparrow elements.

Of note, was the fact that from my LP/OP position, I could distinctly hear the chirping songs of at least 5 different birds, despite the fact that only two mockingbirds were visible.

Research indicates that mockingbirds are known to mimic the sounds of other species. Could these have been the sounds of the two mockingbirds?

Or were all of the other birds perched outside of the perimeter of this contested area, voicing their protests.

Why was this happening? I have no idea. But it made for an interesting first cup of coffee.

Nature is amazing and the drama of the wild can be interesting and intriguing, for those who take the time to notice.

Photo credit: 

Monte Stinnett, http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=12697637

Eric Dempsey

Master Sergeant, U.S. Army Retired

Dempseys Resolution Fitness