Northern Mockingbird Perched with Fanned Tail Feathers

Northern Mockingbird Tail Display with Fanned Tail Feathers

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In the past few days, a Northern Mockingbird has been visiting the suet feeder in my yard. I’ve enjoyed observing and photographing this bird from my deck. Mockingbirds are known for their songs and imitations, but today, I have something visually unique to share.

Northern Mockingbird Perched with Fanned Tail Feathers
The Northern Mockingbird perches confidently, fanning its tail feathers to create a striking contrast of black and white.

Tail Feathers Fanned Out

These three photos capture a Northern Mockingbird with its tail feathers fanned out. This behavior is not uncommon, but it’s rare to catch it in such detail. The fanning of the tail feathers can be a display of aggression or territorial behavior. Sometimes, it’s part of their effort to flush insects from hiding. The way this bird spreads its tail adds an element of flair that I’ve been wanting to showcase for a while.

Mockingbird at the Birdbath with Tail Display
The mockingbird approaches the birdbath, its tail feathers still spread wide, adding a dramatic flair to its cautious stance.

Photo Highlights

The first photo shows the mockingbird perched with its tail fully expanded, a striking pose against the muted background. The contrast between the black and white in its tail feathers truly stands out.

The second and third photos capture the bird near my birdbath. Its tail is still spread, showcasing those bold white markings while it seems to contemplate the water below. The detail in these images highlights both the elegance and intensity of this bird’s behavior.

Northern Mockingbird Observing the Birdbath
The mockingbird stands by the birdbath, tail feathers fanned, showing its elegant markings.

Camera Settings

Here are the settings for the first photo:

  • Date: 11/17/24
  • Time: 10:39:18 AM
  • Camera Model: Canon R5 Mark 2
  • Lens: Canon RF 200-800mm
  • Focal Length: 800mm
  • ISO: 2500
  • Aperture: f/9
  • Shutter Speed: 1/800 sec
  • Exposure Compensation: +0.7

Final Thoughts

Mockingbirds are fascinating not just for their vocal abilities but also for their expressive body language. I hope these photos provide a new perspective on this well-known yard visitor.

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