Sep 11
14
Birds of Florida, Mockingbird
Before we introduce the Florida state bird, the answer to last week’s reader contest question “What is the largest bird covered here in Birds of Florida”? Answer: the Sandhill Crane. Ever been kept awake at night by a vociferous avian songster? The character or culprit is the Mockingbird:
Fledgling Mockingbird, the Florida State bird. Photo by Gordon Campbell www.swfloutdoorphotography.com.
A few fun facts
-Despite being the Florida State bird, their full name is the Northern Mockinbird.
- As mimes or mimics they’d make the best circus character pale by comparison.
- Able to produce the sounds of dozens of species depending on their locale.
- Unlike other mimes such as catbirds, Mockingbirds repeat incessantly (Peterson).
- Mockingbirds are easily ID’d by white wing patches, clearly visible in flight.
Photography-
Mockingbirds enjoy everything from open agricultural lands to your yard. Your best photos will be near a food source such as a holly tree or near a nesting site. With smaller species like this I like to fill the frame for portrait style photos and you can too if you feel like stalking the neighborhood with your zoom lens. Tip: Mockingbirds are quite tolerant of human activity and a patient approach may yield a great picture of one of their elaborate wing displays often seen during courtship & when foraging. Have you photographed the state bird? Soon in the “Birds of Florida” column, specific techniques for bird and wildlife photography and as usual with supporting photos. Let me know if the feature has been a good one. Coming up Friday- something for the weekend…Gordon.
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Professional Photography from Ft. Meyers & Sanibel to Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades.
gordon@SWFLOutdoorPhotography.com
239-776-4743
copyright 2011 Gordon Campbell/Southwest Florida Outdoor Photography.
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