Mockingbirds are flagrantly territorial. Today, I witnessed one of these singing knights defend his domain with a lot of aggression. The assault included a spirited swagger followed by an aerial ambush (above) and a coarse warning which was anything but melodious. The trespasser (right) barely had enough time to flip out of harm's way and escape into obscurity. After driving off his unwanted visitor, mister royalty (left) sat on a steel column which I reckon marked the border of his territory. I saw a mix of pride and relief in his demeanor. However, that quickly turned into a more powerful expression (his pupil contracted and his body tensed) when he heard my camera. He gave me a look that clearly classified me as an intruder and seemed to say,
you too want a piece of that? Not wanting to bear the blitz of a Mockingbird, I pretended to see some Juncos around the corner and left the maniac alone.
PS: Leah, are you happy now?
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