MIMIDAE

Are You Mocking Me?

January 29, 2023 — 17 Comments

F/9.0, 1/320, ISO 250.

Northern Mockingbird

What do you call a snowman in July?

A puddle.

Interesting Fact: It’s not just other mockingbirds that appreciate a good song. In the nineteenth century, people kept so many mockingbirds as cage birds that the birds nearly vanished from parts of the East Coast. People took nestlings out of nests or trapped adults and sold them in cities such as Philadelphia, St. Louis, and New York, where, in 1828, extraordinary singers could fetch as much as $50. ( https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Mockingbird/lifehistory )

I Live In The Meow!

May 29, 2021 — 13 Comments

F/6.3, 1/60, ISO 320.

Gray Catbird

Why did the computer break up with the internet?

There was no “Connection”.

Interesting Fact:  The Gray Catbird’s long song may last for up to 10 minutes. ( https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Gray_Catbird )

Let Me Sing You A Song!

August 17, 2020 — 15 Comments

F/6.3, 1/640, ISO 100.

Northern Mockingbird

What’s a monsters favorite desert?

I-Scream!

Interesting Fact: Northern Mockingbirds continue to add new sounds to their repertoires throughout their lives. A male may learn around 200 songs throughout its life. ( https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Mockingbird/lifehistory )

I Only Have Crazy Eyes For You!

July 23, 2020 — 31 Comments

F/9.0, 1/320, ISO 320.

Northern Mockingbird 

Why don’t witches like to ride their brooms when they’re angry?

They’re afraid of flying off the handle!

Interesting Fact:  The Northern Mockingbird frequently gives a “wing flash” display, where it half or fully opens its wings in jerky intermediate steps, showing off the big white patches. No one knows why it does this, but it may startle insects, making them easier to catch. On the other hand, it doesn’t often seem to be successful, and different mockingbird species do this same display even though they don’t have white wing patches.  ( https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Mockingbird/lifehistory )

Keep Off My Grass!

June 12, 2020 — 8 Comments

F/8.0, 1/250, ISO 400.

Northern Mockingbird vs American Robin

Why should you keep away from dermatologists?

They make rash decisions.

Interesting Fact: Mockingbirds are also territorial around other bird species as well as dogs and cats. The flight style of mockingbirds is variable but typically leisurely, with showy wingbeats. Sometimes Northern Mockingbirds simply drop quickly from a perch with their wings folded. ( https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Mockingbird/lifehistory# )

 

 

 

 

Hush, little baby, don’t say a word, Mama’s gonna buy you a mockingbird

January 28, 2020 — 82 Comments

F/7.1, 1/800, ISO 200.

Northern Mockingbird

Why shouldn’t you fart in an Apple Store?

They don’t have Windows.

Interesting Fact: Northern mockingbirds tend to imitate other birds and sounds they hear.  This bird is very territorial and will not hesitate to attack intruders.  ( https://americanexpedition.us/northern-mockingbird-facts-photos-and-information )

Never Bend Your Head. Always Hold It High. Look The World Straight In The Eye.

August 29, 2019 — 15 Comments

F/10.0, 1/400, ISO 320.

Curve-billed Thrasher

A wife says, “Hey! Look at that funny guy whose been drinking a lot.”

The husband responds, “Who is he?”

The wife answers, “Well, five years ago, he was my boyfriend and I denied him for marriage.”

The husband says, “Oh my God! He’s still celebrating his freedom!”

Interesting Fact: The Curve-billed Thrasher that lives in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona and northwestern Mexico looks different than the form that lives in the Chihuahuan Desert of Texas and central Mexico, and they may be separate species. The Texas and eastern bird has a lighter breast, more contrasting spots, pale wingbars, and white tail corners. The more western form has a grayer breast with less obvious spots, inconspicuous wingbars, and smaller, more grayish tail corners. ( https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Curve-billed_Thrasher/lifehistory )

You Had Me AT Meow!

May 11, 2019 — 6 Comments

F/6.3, 1/60, ISO 640.

Gray Catbird

Why can’t a bicycle stand up on its own? 

Because it’s two tired.

Interesting Fact: Catbirds usually build nests on horizontal branches hidden at the center of dense shrubs, small trees, or in vines, including dogwood, hawthorn, cherry, rose, elderberry, grape, honeysuckle, and blackberry. Nests are typically around 4 feet off the ground, but may be on the ground or as high as 60 feet. ( https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Gray_Catbird/lifehistory )

Listen To Me Meow!

August 25, 2018 — 31 Comments

Gray Catbird

F/5.6, 1/125, ISO1400.

Son: Dad I am cold!

Dad: Go stand in the corner it’s 90 degrees.

Interesting Fact:  The male Gray Catbird uses his loud song to proclaim his territory. He uses a softer version of the song when near the nest or when a bird intrudes on his territory. The female may sing the quiet song back to the male. ( https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Gray_Catbird )

There Have Been Many Times In 2017, When I Have Annoyed You, Distubed You, Irritated You, And Bugged The Hell Out Of You….Today I Just Wanna Tell You I Plan To Continue In 2018!

January 4, 2018 — 20 Comments

F/9.0, 1/320, ISO 320.

Curve-billed Thrasher

How does one snowman greet another snowman?….

Ice to meet you

Interesting Fact: Forages on ground, pokes and probes in plant litter, and digs holes in the soil with its long, down-curved bill. (  https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Curve-billed_Thrasher/lifehistory )