Northern Mockingbird

Who among us has not been kept awake on a Summer night by a male NOMO singing his heart out, establishing his territory and his desire for a mate? This smart, cocky bird is an omnivorous loner who can sometimes be seen in pursuit of a crow or hawk that has invaded his personal space.

If you think you may be seeing a perched NOMO, wait until the bird takes off — the flashing of those unmissable, flashing white under-wing patches will confirm. No wing-patches, it’s something else.