Unexpected Visitor: An Immature Mockingbird’s Antics

Last week, I had a delightful surprise in my backyard – an immature Northern Mockingbird decided to make an appearance, and in quite an unusual way!

This young bird caught my attention when it started visiting my hummingbird feeder. Now, before you start picturing a mockingbird sipping nectar, let me clarify. The clever creature wasn’t after the sugar water; instead, it discovered the water reservoir on top of the feeder, which is there to deter ants. This resourceful youngster found it to be the perfect drinking spot!

What’s particularly intriguing about this behavior is that I have a birdbath just a short distance away. So why would our feathered friend choose the hummingbird feeder? My theory is that the birdbath might be too popular with other avian visitors, and our young mockingbird prefers a more peaceful drinking experience.

While I wasn’t quick enough to capture a photo of the mockingbird at its newfound watering hole, I did manage to snap some shots of it in the yard. In one interesting moment, I observed the bird catch an insect, only to drop it back to the ground without eating it. Perhaps it was a hunting practice session?

This is the first time I’ve had the pleasure of photographing an immature mockingbird in my yard, making the experience even more special. It’s fascinating to watch the behavior of young birds as they explore and learn about their environment.

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time mockingbirds have shown unique behavior in my yard. Back in May, I wrote about an adult Northern Mockingbird’s peculiar interaction with a suet feeder. If you’re curious about that story, you can find it on my blog (A Northern Mockingbird’s Peculiar Suet Behavior).

It’s heartening to see that the mockingbirds nesting in my neighbor’s yard have successfully raised at least one offspring. As a bird enthusiast, there’s nothing quite like witnessing the cycle of life right in your own backyard.

I’m looking forward to more observations of this young mockingbird as it continues to explore and grow. Who knows what other surprises it might have in store? Stay tuned for more backyard birding adventures!

Steve Creek