One for the Mockingbird, Zero for the Hawk

[chiknducklings]

Yesterday I was watching my small flock of two month old chicks when a hawk swooped in and landed in the midst of the flock (birds were running every which way). The majority of the flock ran around the corner, the hawk hopping after them. I, of course, got out the back door as fast as my old legs would carry me, knowing I would see the hawk feasting on one of the babies by the time I got to them. Just as I rounded the corner of the house, Mr. Hawk came blasting by me closely followed by -- A MOCKINGBIRD! She chased that hawk off the property and appeared to be having a wonderful time dive bombing him every 30 seconds or so. All I can say is I now understand Harper Lee when she wrote "it's a sin to kill a mockingbird." Not only do they make beautiful music, they protect their turf something awesome.

 

[Belott]

I have seen as many as four mockingbirds chasing both Hawks and Crows!! I have more Mockingbirds than you can shake a stick at and they are more than welcome here!!
Plus they are our State bird also.


David

 

[centrarchid]

Eastern kingbirds can provide the same service. I all likelihood, when only one mockingbird is attacking, then it is male. Female was covering brood and comes only as last resort. My chickens do same where male comes out to face hawk and hen sits quite with brood.