MOBIL'S OWN MOCKINGBIRD
by: Marlene Biondo

My husband stopped for a fill-up at a Mobil gas station in Venice, Florida. We had loaded up the van with our four children and the family dog. We were returning to South Carolina after vacationing in Ft. Myers. While we were at the Mobil station, I came across an unplanned bird-watching adventure. It began by walking Buddy, our pet Westie. While standing near a tree, I heard a bird. I strained to see where the sound was coming from. I looked up into the wax myrtle tree and still couldn't see the bird.

In response to my questioning glare, the managing attendant called out to me. I could see from his embroidered patch that his name was Wilbur. "He's right up there, " he said, as he pointed to the roof of a small storage building on Mobil's back lot. Indeed, there he was, singing his song loudly, as if to say, ‘Here I am, and I'm proud.' This bird was about 9-10 inches long, with grey coloring on its upper body, and light grey on its belly. It had attractive white markings on its back wings and tail, which added a spark of interest to its monochromatic-color scheme. Wilbur remarked, "They have a nest in that tree." Wilbur pointed to the wax myrtle tree. Then he added, "The nest has eggs in it, too." While Wilbur and I observed this noisy feathered friend, I noted that its slender beak curved slightly downward. This bird's beak was somewhat longer than a robin's but far shorter than a hummingbird's.

As I listened to this bird's song, I asked Wilbur, "What kind of bird is that?"

Wilbur answered quickly, "That's a mockingbird. They have chased all of the other birds out of here with their shouting. This particular mockingbird can sing about 5 to 10 various songs, but some mockingbirds can mimic up to 15 sounds."

"Have you been able to pick-out the different birds this mockingbird mimics?" I asked.

"Yes, this one mimics the robin, along with a number of other birds that I'm not too sure of." Wilbur answered. I thanked Wilbur for the information and struggled to the car with Buddy, who also showed a great amount of interest in the mockingbird. You see, Buddy is a West Highland Terrier, a canine species bred specifically for bird hunting. I came to the realization that Wilbur and Buddy had something unique in common. Buddy, like Wilbur, was an avid bird watcher too!

Upon further research, I discovered that the mockingbird has a reputation for being rather loud. It's irascible disposition allows it to often fight other birds, even its own kind. The aggressive demeanor of the mockingbird drives all other birds away, except the kingbird. Perhaps these other birds are a bit like all of us — after all . . . No-one likes to be mocked!

Even with its intensely annoying behavior, this member of the thrasher family does have a mating ritual. It stretches its wings well above its back and coos softly. (It must be love . . . but wait until you get to know him!) This vivacious songbird occasionally picks up a twig in its beak and hops back and forth in front of its mate. The male of the species sounds like a song and dance man with an attitude!