[TN-Bird] Mean Mockingbird and Grateful Goldfinch
- From: Lynne Davis <lynnedavis865@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: tn-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Wed, 18 Feb 2015 11:13:59 -0500
February 18, 2015
After logging 20 species of birds at our feeders this week, the 21st has
proven to be a bit of a problem. The mockingbird who "owns" the holly
bushes in the front yard has decided he also owns all the feeders on the
back porch. He sits and watches until there are a dozen or so birds eating,
then swoops over everything like a bomber on a strafing run. The larger
birds, like starlings, jays and towhees, don't seem too intimidated, but
he's keeping the smaller ones at bay.
Tuesday (Feb 17) I heard a thump on the back storm door glass and looked
out to see a Goldfinch lying on its back on the porch. I picked it up and
it was still alive, so I brought it inside to warm up and recover. I put it
in a small box on the kitchen counter. As soon as I turned my back, one of
our cats jumped on the counter to investigate. I grabbed the box, and the
lid came open, letting the bird fly out. The cats were thrilled! The bird
flew into the laundry room, where I was able to shut it in and the cats
out. After a few minutes, I caught the bird again and put it back in the
box, on top of the fridge this time. In less than 15 minutes, it was
fluttering around in the box, so I took it outside and let it go. The bird
landed on the porch rafters and looked back at me as if to say, "Are you
still chasing me?"
Lynne Davis
Seymour, Sevier County
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