Baby Mockingbird Stranded in Yard - Wild Texas Forums: Parks, Travel & Recreation

06-05-2005, 09:59 PM

The other day, I saw a baby Mockingbird sitting in the middle of my front yard. I thought it may have fallen out of its nest. I didn't touch or disturb it...I went inside for a couple minutes came back and it was gone. I figured one of the opportunistic cats had made off with it.

Well, this morning...I looked out the window and watched the neighbors cat being chased by an adult mockingbird...later on I found out why...the baby had somehow made it into the shrubbery about 8 ft from where I first discovered it. Of course, the mother was nearby watching like a hawk. Again, I didn't touch it or get too close lest I upset it's mother.

I'm worried that one of the three cats nearby will get it before it can attempt to fly. Is there anything I can do to help its chances?

ploddinTod · 06-05-2005, 11:05 PM

What you're doing is watching nature run its natural course. I think you were wise to do nothing.
The baby will probably move to a different location in the shrubs, be very still and wait out the night. Then in the morning Mama will protect it again as it strengthens its wings. In a day or two.....off to wild blue.
However, if this particular bird doesn't survive, then it will have one or two brothers or sisters that will.

It's not unusual for a pair of mockingbirds to have two, sometimes three broods in a season.

What's that phrase in Disney's "Song of the South"? Twitterpainting!!

dwalsdorf · 06-06-2005, 12:57 PM

Coons gotta eat too...

06-09-2005, 03:19 PM

Well, it was gone after two days.

Several Mockingbirds seemed to do a good job of warding off the cats...not sure if it made it to the wild blue...or the afterlife, but I didn't see any feathers on the ground (I guess that's a good sign).

Shannon · 06-09-2005, 03:34 PM

Northern mockingbirds are among the most aggressive birds in the area in terms of defending their territories, including their nests. I suspect you did well and the baby mocker has earned its wings or moved to a safer locale with the guidance of its parents. They don't hang around long once their stomachs outstretch their parents ability to keep all those mouths fed!