On Sunday there were 2 Northern Mockingbirds together in Staghorn Sumac and another small fruiting weed-tree I don't know by name along the edge of Cayuga Inlet in Cass Park. What surprised me was that there were 2 of them close together, and they seemed amicable during the moments I saw them. I've often found Northern Mockingbirds solo in fall & winter inhabiting a thicket full of vines, bushes, and trees with fruit. I've seen them try to oust flocks of European Starlings eating their food supply, and I'm sure other birds provoke territorial defense as well, although mostly these quiet gray birds are pretty inconspicuous in winter. I've seen this mostly in Ithaca, where I spend most of my time, but also on the higher part of East Shore drive. I wonder if wintering Northern Mockingbirds around here are associated with low elevation and warmer microclimates, and I wonder if there are places with Northern Mockingbirds in summer where they are not found in winter.
--Dave Nutter
Toby DeanWe had a mockingbird in our orchard on South Hill today. It was having a territorial dispute with a crow.I dont recall seeing them in wintertime.
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