On July 21, I shared a story about a pair of Northern Mockingbirds building a nest near my deck and feeders in Northern Mockingbird With Nesting Material in My Yard. Since then, things have gotten a bit intense.
The Mockingbirds’ Aggressive Behavior Escalates
Northern Mockingbirds are known for defending their territory, but the pair in my yard took this to another level. I watched as they relentlessly chased away other birds visiting my feeders. Most troubling was seeing one Mockingbird dive and take a female Cardinal to the ground. Even House Finches weren’t spared.
A Simple Fix: Relocating the Feeders
On July 23, I moved the feeders much farther from the Mockingbirds’ nesting site. This new location should hopefully give visiting birds a chance to feed in peace. By giving the Mockingbirds their space, I’m hoping to reduce the conflict without interfering with their nesting process.
Why Northern Mockingbirds Act This Way
Northern Mockingbirds are famously territorial, especially during nesting season. They aggressively protect their young from any perceived threat, including other birds. This behavior, while harsh, is natural and tied to their survival instincts.
A Lesson in Backyard Birding
Moving the feeders is a simple but effective way to support all species in your yard. If you’re seeing aggressive birds near your feeders, especially during nesting season, consider relocating them to help reduce stress for everyone involved.
Good information!