Red-bellied woodpecker in a maple tree in our backyard.
The light is special today, as it appears shine from every direction. At times it’s almost blinding. Couple that with the freezing gusts of wind, and it’s amazing I can keep my eyes open for any length of time at all.
As I walk back into the house, a flash of something else catches my attention. A perfect winter scene if there ever was such a thing. The camera attached to my wrist is set up for video. It will have to do. I’m sure he’s spotted me by now, just as I spotted him. But he’s not flying away. Now I have a decision to ponder. Do I make the best of the situation with the camera I have on hand? Or do I run back inside and switch to my telephoto that I know is just inside the door? I give in and make the switch, and in hindsight, it's the right call.
These are the moments I enjoy the most as a photographer. The times when light and subject align and I have to access all of my learned technique in a matter of seconds.
Saturday, October 25, 2025: The light was really nice this morning. Fog lingered over the surface of the lake as the sun began to rise over the trees. A shaft of sunlight broke through a gap in the tree-line further up the lake and backlit a small group of five ducks that were floating by.
"Look dad! A hawk in that tree!" is what Eleanor said as we sat in the living room waiting for the bus this Wednesday morning. It's quite satisfying that my 3 1/2 year old is conditioned to spot a bird at distance, let alone discern between a hawk, eagle, or other raptor.
Cooper's Hawk perched in a tree in our neighbor's yard
Time really does fly. It’s been roughly a year since I started to take a serious interest in documenting the Osprey in my neighborhood. Since last April I had purchased a super telephoto lens to help get closer to these birds. I then spent the rest of the summer and fall learning how to use my new equipment.
That being said my best Osprey photos to date were made roughly an hour away in Wildwood. Though I’m proud of those images, I don’t have the personal connection that I feel to the birds in my community. All wildlife is special, but I feel a certain responsibility to observe and protect the creatures in my backyard.
While browsing some photo sites online I’ve started to notice that Osprey were beginning to return to our area here on the East Coast. I’ve been eagerly awaiting the return of neighborhood birds. The weather has been poor lately, so I haven’t been able to spend as much time outside as I would like. We got a break from the weather this weekend and much to my delight the Osprey were out fishing on the lake.
The first one I noticed was a female, circling high above the yard a few times before heading upstream. A hawk perched on a tree at the water’s edge took exception and quickly confronted the Osprey midair. After their brief skirmish over the water, I saw her turn inland and lost sight of her in the glare of the sun. Moments later, she returned, gliding over the dock. This time she was close enough for me to capture a great sequence of photos. I watched her continue down the lake until she was out of range, confident I had just taken some of my best images yet of my fish hunting neighbors.
Female osprey flying over the backyard.
The Best Camera is the One You Bring With You
Later on in the afternoon, the girls and I took a walk down the street to Ashley & Ryan’s house. Just before walking out the door, I remembered that my big lens was still mounted on my camera and decided to chuck it into the wagon. Just in case.
As soon as we started walking down the street, we spotted turkey vultures flying low through the trees. They are a common sight in our neighborhood but their behavior in this moment was strange, I knew something was different. After walking past a few houses I could see the outline of a bird that was not a vulture perched in a tree above the lake. To my surprise it was an Osprey! I quickly grabbed my camera and fired off a series of photos. The girls were just as excited as I was! We tried to get closer by walking into a neighbors yard (he was home in the garage, and we know them well) but we scared the bird away.
The next morning at 5:30 A.M. I emptied the camera’s card onto my computer while drinking my morning cup of coffee. I began selecting and editing the photos of the female, happy with what I had captured. I had assumed that the photos I took of the bird later on in the evening was the same female. The images in the tree were nice but lacked the drama of a good bird-in-flight shot. While reviewing the series I zoomed in close to check my focus. In that moment I realized this bird had a band on its leg and was actually a male! (Noticing the lack of markings on his chest.) Through sheer luck I had managed to capture two great photos of what I’m assuming is a mating pair within hours of each other.
Upon closer inspection of the band I could barely make out a few of the numbers on the band. I submitted a sighting report using the USGS reporting system. It says it may take a few weeks to identify the bird, if they can identify him at all! I’m hoping I hear something back. Till then, it’s time to head back out into the yard and take more photos.
The Bald Eagle is perhaps the most iconic bird in the world, yet we nearly lost them here in New Jersey. Thankfully, as of 2025, they're no longer on the state's list of endangered animals. Watching one perched high in a tree or gracefully soaring overhead, it's easy to see why these birds are so often described as "majestic." In Timber Lakes, we're lucky enough to have a resident mating pair, and although I've grown accustomed to their presence, I still stop to marvel every time they glide across the lake or skillfully catch a fish from the water.
The image at the top of this post is one of our resident eagles in flight over Timber Lakes. I watched this bird as it sat in a tree across the lake with another eagle. After a few minutes in the tree, it took off from its perch and flew over our dock where I was waiting.
I'm still working on capturing birds in flight. and it's definitely not easy handholding and tracking a bird at close to 900mm. Admittedly I clipped the very tip of this eagles wing and had to use generate expand in PS to fix it.
After editing and capturing this image, I noticed that I've started to amass a collection of bald eagle photos. I've built a new gallery on my site as a way to document this journey. I'm probably being critical of myself, but in my opinion the images I have so far are not portfolio worthy but I think they do a nice job of documenting my local birds.
As far as I know, I'm the only resident in my neighborhood that has the gear to photogrpah these birds. I feel a sense of responsibility to tell their story.
Spent the morning at a local raptor festival. It wasn't an amazing day for photos due to high winds, but I learned a lot about some local hotspots to explore in the future.
One of my keepers for the day was this Northern Harrier. It's not the typical birding photo, but I like how the trees frame the scene, giving a sense of depth.
Over the past few years, I've developed an interest (obsession, honestly) for birdwatching and bird photography. I’ve always had an eye for the natural world, but it wasn’t until I purchased a home on a lake that my interest began grow. I began birdwatching in my backyard and at the nearby lakes and parks that surround our home. This document is a personal guide to help me make sense of this project.
Why am I interested in Birds?
By developing an interest in the natural environment around us, I have a greater appreciation for where my family lives. Keeping a record of the birds we observe in our backyard allows us to better understand the changing seasons and our changing environment.
Tracking migration patterns helps me understand our place in a changing environment. Humans are part of, not separate from, nature. We are connected to species and their habitats even in places as close to us as our own backyard.
The benefits of birdwatching.
Birdwatching in the backyard is a simple, rewarding activity that can offer numerous benefits. Although backyard birds may seem mundane, they exist in a great variety of species, each with their own unique visual characteristics and behaviors. For example, New Jersey alone has over four hundred species of birds, with close to 150 of them residing in the Pine Barrens.
Developing an interest in the local natural environment can lead to a greater appreciation for where we live, even in places like New Jersey, the most densely populated state in the country, which is filled with unique natural wonders.
Furthermore, observing nature through birdwatching is a calming and mentally engaging activity that is a great alternative to doom-scrolling through social media. Increased screen time and manufactured experiences can have an adverse effect on our mental health, so it is important to engage in activities that allow us to connect with the natural world around us.
Birds of the Pine Barrens
"Birds of the Pine Barrens" is an ongoing project dedicated to cataloging the diverse bird species inhabiting the Pinelands. Despite the perceived lack of variety in this unique habitat, the Pine Barrens is home to nearly 150 species of birds. Living by a waterway, I have the privilege of observing a wide range of avian life, from majestic raptors such as the Bald Eagle and Osprey to the vibrant American Goldfinch, and various waterfowl including Great Blue Heron, swans, and ducks.
Many of the photographs in this collection have been captured right in my backyard, offering a personal and intimate perspective. The remainder are taken at notable nature reserves within the region, such as the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, a crucial stopover for migratory birds along the Atlantic Flyway.
This project showcases the beauty and diversity of bird life in the Pine Barrens and aims to raise awareness about the importance of preserving this unique ecosystem. I hope to share the wonders of the Pinelands and inspire others to appreciate and protect this natural habitat.
On January 6th, My 35th journey around the sun kicked off with a snowstorm that started around 5 A.M. and continued into the early afternoon, leaving behind 2 to 4 inches of snow. The storm kept everyone home, giving the girls the perfect chance to enjoy a snow day and play outside in the yard.
I treated myself to a few minutes outside with them, and I noticed there was a flurry (pun intended) of small bird activity around the feeders in the yard. I don’t know if it was the snow, or the general lack of visibility, but the little guys were intent on eating from the feeders, and would let me get unusually close.
Continuing the duck theme of this blog, a flock of mallards landed in the middle of the lake on a semi-frozen patch of water. They simply rested on the snow, as if they were waiting out the storm. I found this sight unusual because we are accustomed to seeing ducks bobbing up and down the lake, and here they were, simply sitting in the snow. The snow provided a, minimalist backdrop, allowing me to capture something different to add to my collection.
Normally I might have considered this shot a throwaway, but now it's part of my fancy duck narrative. While Looking for a bald eagle in a neighbors yard, I observed these mallard ducks floating on the water, backlit by the sun. This was shortly befire sunrise. It's hight ISO, but that's okay.
Hooked by my first trip to the refuge last week, I knew I had to go back sooner rather than later. I knew that if I wanted more osprey photos, I would need to return before they left for the winter. The ospreys' migration depends on the availability of fish. As temperatures drop, fish swim deeper in rivers and lakes to stay warm. In the back of my mind, I knew the cooler weather earlier in the week was not helping my chances.
An opportunity to stay overnight in Wildwood presented itself on Saturday, and I jumped at the chance to head down. I woke up early on Sunday morning, and after a quick cup of coffee, made the short trip to the refuge, arriving just after sunrise.
I wanted to capture more than just bird photos this time, so for the short walk from the car, I mounted a standard zoom lens. The sun was just peeking over the dunes, and a thick layer of fog hung over the water.
The boardwalk to the bird blind is short, yet interesting. It's well-designed for a public area, and I like how you're surrounded by coastal vegetation, giving you the feeling of walking through a swamp. My favorite section is where you pass through a tunnel cut through what looks like a wax myrtle hedge.
The boardwalk leading to the wildlife observation platform in the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge Two Mile Beach Unit in Wildwood, New Jersey on Sunday, October 20, 2024.
After taking my time on the boardwalk, I arrived at the blind and quickly set up my gear. Before attaching my telephoto lens, I took a few more landscape photos, making sure to be quick before the remaining fog disappeared. After mounting the 150-600mm, I surveyed the landscape and noticed what appeared to be a belted kingfisher perched in a dead tree.
A Belted Kingfisher perched in a dead tree, surrounded by fog in the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge Two Mile Beach Unit in Wildwood, New Jersey on Sunday, October 20, 2024.
For the next 30 minutes in the blind, I didn’t spot a single bird close enough to photograph. I didn’t see a single osprey and began to fear the worst—that they had already begun their journey south for the winter. With some time left before I planned to head home, I left the blind and walked down the road through the refuge. I explored one of the dune trails and captured a few images of smaller birds, like the Yellow-rumped Warbler.
Yellow-rumped Warbler in the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge Two Mile Beach Unit in Wildwood, New Jersey on Sunday, October 20, 2024.
Before heading home, I decided to return to the observation platform, hoping for better luck. Though I had taken a few decent photos during my two hours at the refuge, what I really wanted was more osprey! As soon as I sat down in the blind, I spotted ospreys fishing in the distance across the water. Despite having nearly 600mm of reach, they were still too far away. I sat for a few minutes, admiring two ospreys as they fished. Every 30 seconds or so, one would dive into the water.
Just as I texted Victoria to say I was packing up and heading home, I spotted one of the ospreys hovering over the water, about to dive for a catch. I tracked it as it splashed into the water, then watched it take off and fly toward my position. The next ten seconds produced my best bird-in-flight photos to date.
An osprey taking off from the water after catching a fish in the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge Two Mile Beach Unit in Wildwood, New Jersey on Sunday, October 20, 2024.Osprey in flight with fish in the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge Two Mile Beach Unit in Wildwood, New Jersey on Sunday, October 20, 2024.
It’s nice to know that the rush you feel when you know you’ve got a good photo is still there, especially when you’ve questioned whether you’ve still "got it." In short, I’m all in on birding and bird photography now. The entire drive home, all I could think about was how I can have more experiences like this.
This past Monday, we took a trip to Wildwood Crest to visit my in-laws' new condo. I managed to carve out an hour to visit the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge, which is only a mile away from their new beach house. The refuge is located on the southern tip of the barrier island, just before the city of Cape May.
Osprey flying in the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge Two Mile Beach Unit in Wildwood Crest, New Jersey on Monday, October 14, 2024. This bird was photographed from the observation platform overlooking Old Lower Thorofare
Based on my research on Google Maps, I found a platform overlooking a tidal marsh that seemed like the ideal spot for photographing migrating birds. To my surprise, the platform turned out to be a bird blind—an exciting discovery, as it was my first time photographing from one. This felt like the perfect opportunity to practice my technique in a more concealed environment.
My father-in-law accompanied me to the blind. Upon arriving, we met a friendly couple from upstate New York who were also birdwatching and taking photographs. They pointed out a couple of osprey perched in some dead trees nearby. I immediately started snapping photos, and within a few minutes, one of the osprey took off from its perch and flew right past the blind, giving me the chance to capture some close-up in-flight shots.
In some of the images, you can see a swarm of swallows above the dunes. While they may not be as impressive as the osprey, watching hundreds of swallows moving together was still an incredible sight.
I've made a real effort to photograph osprey since the spring, and I'm still refining my technique. My keeper rate for in-flight images is still quite low, but the image at the top of this post is my best result yet. Tracking a fast-moving bird with a telephoto lens and keeping it in focus is challenging, but experiences like these make the effort worthwhile.
Laughing Gull with a fish head on the beach in Wildwood, New Jersey July 14th, 2024
I’m not a fan of the beach but on occasion I can recognize an opportunity to make some photographs when it presents itself. This particular Sunday morning in wildwood wildwood happened to be one of those occasions. The heat waves we’ve been experiencing here in the certainly come with some positives. Like for example, when the warm moist air combines with cool seawater, you get fog. Like a lot of fog, as you can see in the images below. We arrived at the beach in Wildwood a little before 10 A.M. and the fog remained thick for a couple of hours. All of the images were made shortly after arriving. I actually brought my two Fuji cameras to the beach. I also used the outing as an excuse to continue practicing with the XF 150-600mm lens mentioned in my previous post.
Diving into the water with a thunderous crash was the moment I realized this bird I had been watching is not a seagull. While holding our newborn daughter, I shouted “osprey, osprey!” through the window to my wife, as she was out in the backyard talking to our neighbors. This scene is imprinted on my memory as the first time I had witnessed one of these raptors hunting in the wild. I couldn’t believe this was happening in my own backyard.
Soaring high on a clear Sunday afternoon
Since moving to Timber Lakes in 2017, our family's interest in the local wildlife had been anchored by the bald eagles residing upstream from our house. These impressive birds, with their six-foot wingspans and sharp eyes, had become familiar sights during our daily lives. Amidst this great respect for the eagles, I had heard stories about another feathered inhabitant hunting in our lakes. Known for their impressive fishing abilities and distinct appearance, ospreys were said to be nesting nearby. Yet, despite these tantalizing rumors, their elusive presence remained just beyond my grasp. I had assumed that they were active in our area in the past, but had long since moved on. Another casualty of human progress.
Taking off from a tree.
Since that initial sighting, my awareness of the ospreys' presence has sharpened, marking the beginning of a gradual yet significant increase in their sightings. What started as sporadic glimpses has burgeoned into a routine experience, with this year alone witnessing a surge in the number of sightings. Nowadays, it's become a common sight to see ospreys soaring above, skillfully fishing out of the lake, or majestically perched on trees lining the water’s edge. Their activity, especially noticeable with the arrival of spring, seems to have intensified, with a memorable moment one Sunday morning when three were spotted simultaneously, canvasing the water in a spectacular display of their hunting prowess. Amidst these frequent encounters, a fortunate opportunity arose for me to capture one of these magnificent birds on camera as it took flight from a pitch pine at the corner of our yard, immortalizing a moment that epitomizes the growing bond between us and these splendid raptors.
Osprey in flight at sunrise
I must admit, if it isn’t already obvious, that I’m quite excited about the presence of these birds in my community. It may just be a coincidence, but according to wildlife conservation groups in the state, Osprey populations are increasing each year thanks to their efforts. I’m hypothesizing here, but I take it as a sign that our lakes are in good health. Facing a decline in the overall fish population due to excess vegetation growth, our community has engaged in a lake management program that has restored the balance between open water and vegetation necessary for fish breeding. There now appears to be a sizable fish population that is capable of feeding these large birds in addition to the bald eagles that roam the skies above. My goal for this coming year is to increase my efforts in documenting these birds and build a better understanding of their relationship to our local ecosystem. I invite you, my readers, to stay tuned for upcoming posts featuring my photography of these magnificent birds.
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*This post was initially published on the Squarespace version of my blog and includes references to files that no longer exist. I’m leaving them here as a trace for my future self. They might get fixed someday.
As someone who is a collector of random (useless) facts, I went through a phase in my childhood where I was obsessed with state facts. You know, those exciting tidbits of information like: This included gems like the state tree of Arizona (the Blue Palo Verde), Missouri's official motto (“Salus populi suprema lex esto” which translates to “The welfare of the people shall be the supreme law”), and the catchy tunes of Oklahoma’s official song, Oklahoma!. One fact in particular has lingered in my mind through the years: How the American Goldfinch is the official bird of our great state of New Jersey.
Long before I discovered my passion for photography, the desire to catch a glimpse of this vibrant bird was a constant itch. Unfortunately growing up in the urban shadow of New York City limited my opportunities to spot one. I’m sure they were around, but the lack of nature my immediate area was the partly to blame.
Fortunately, life has a way of evolving. Since migrating further south to a permanent nesting location, we’ve slowly reintroduced trees, shrubs, and native plants into our yard. With the help of a few carefully placed feeders, our patch has turned into a gathering place for the neighborhoods avian contingent. For a while, I can’t recall seeing a goldfinch but over the past few years I’ve begun to notice them in our yard, and I have made a few unsuccessful attempts at photographing them.
You can imagine my delight yesterday morning while playing with my daughter in the yard, this little one landed on the fence, less than a few feet away. I just happened to have my camera, with its telephoto zoom lends mounted, at the ready. The joy of finally capturing my elusive American Goldfinch is a reminder of the unexpected surprises life holds, often right in our own backyards.
Here are three images captured a few days ago of some common backyard birds found in our area. We have a feeder placed just outside the window in Ellie’s room and I noticed a flurry of activity in the bushes while getting Eleanor out of her crib.
These images were captured with my Fujifilm X-H2s and the Fujinon XF55-200mm lens. The X-H2s has an advanced artificial intelligence based autofocus system a bird detect setting that is smart enough to focus on a Birds Eye. It’s a big step up in performance from the X-PRO2 I used for the last six years. Since purchasing this camera in the summer there has been a sharp increase in my interest in birding photography.
The benefits of birdwatching.
Birdwatching in your backyard is a simple yet rewarding activity that can offer numerous benefits. Although backyard birds may seem mundane, they exist in a great variety of species, each with their own unique visual characteristics and behaviors. For example, New Jersey alone has over four hundred species of birds, with close to 150 of them residing in the Pine Barrens.
By developing an interest in the natural environment around us, we can gain a greater appreciation for where we live. Keeping a record of the birds we observe in our backyard allows us to better understand the changing seasons and our changing environment. Tracking migration patterns helps us to better understand our place in a changing environment. As researchers at Cornell University note, humans are part of, not separate from, nature, and we are connected to species and their habitats even in places as close to us as our own backyard.
Northern Mockingbird
Developing an interest in the local natural environment can lead to a greater appreciation for where we live, even in places like New Jersey, the most densely populated state in the country, which is filled with unique natural wonders. Furthermore, observing nature through birdwatching is a calming and mentally engaging activity that is a great alternative to doom-scrolling through social media. Increased screen time and manufactured experiences can have an adverse effect on our mental health, so it is important to engage in activities that allow us to connect with the natural world around us.
An interesting fact about the Northern Cardinal and closing thoughts.
Female Northern Cardinal
While referencing my birding field guide, I stumbled upon the fact that cardinals are typically not found in the western portion of the United States. I find it interesting that a bird, so common to us on the east coast, is a rare sight to a large part of the population that resides on the west side of the Rocky Mountains.
Overall, birdwatching is a wonderful hobby that offers physical and mental benefits while helping us to better appreciate and understand the environment we live in. I hope you’ve enjoyed these quick thoughts and images. Till next time…
The Majestic Great Blue Heron in its Natural Habitat
This image "Great Blue Heron at Sunrise" captures a beautiful moment in nature. It depicts a great blue heron (Ardea herodias) standing motionless, yet intently fishing for its next meal in a shallow section of Timber Lake in Williamstown, New Jersey. The heron is dark and silhouetted by the sun. Its almost mirror image like reflection can be seen in the calm surface of the lake. In the background, the early morning fog is slowly burning from the surface of the lake as it is heated up by the rising sun, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere. This image showcases the beauty and grace of this magnificent bird, and the natural habitat that surrounds it.
The Pursuit of the Perfect Heron Photo
Over the past few years, I've developed an interest (obsession, honestly) for birdwatching and bird photography. I began birdwatching in my backyard and at the nearby lakes and parks that surround our home. I quickly became interested in capturing unique images of these beautiful creatures. One that I have been chasing since purchasing a telephoto lens is the great blue heron. Despite their slow movements and often motionless behavior, herons can be notoriously difficult to photograph, as they are easily scared and tend to flyaway if you get remotely close to them.
To capture this image of a heron at sunrise, I used my Fujifilm X-PRO2 camera and the Fujinon XF 55-200mm telephoto lens mentioned earlier. The long reach of the telephoto lens allowed me to compress the scene and capture the heron in detail, while blurring the background with a shallow depth of field. As you can see from the foliage in the edges of the frame, I had to crouch low to the ground to avoid startling my subject.
I often equate photography to fishing, in that it requires practice and patience to be successful. By developing my skills and having the right gear, I was able to capture a truly unique moment.
Heron in Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge
Great Blue Herons in the Pine Barrens
Great blue herons are a common sight for bird watchers in the Pine Barrens and can typically be found in and around the numerous shallow lakes and ponds that dot the landscape in South Jersey. Great Blue Herons can often be observed standing motionless or wading slowly through marshy grasses and shallow water while fishing for their next meal. They tend to be solitary birds while hunting but will roost and migrate in small groups. While some Great Blue Herons remain in the Pine Barrens year-round, many of them are summer residents and migrate away from the Pine Barrens to breed. These majestic birds are known for their slow, deliberate movements, making them a great subject to photograph if you can avoid startling them! Wetland destruction throughout the state has led to a decrease in heron populations from their once historic numbers. Since the 1950s, their loss of habitat has occurred at an alarming rate in New Jersey. Preserving wetland habitats is critical to the breeding herons in our great state.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy this short yet deep dive into my growing bird photography obsession. I also hope that you visit again as I indulge inwriting a blog after a few year hiatus. There’s no plan or schedule for now. Maybe that will change. If you like what you’ve read today please consider subscribing or sending me a message. See you next time.
A Northern Mockingbird has been terrorizing our yard for the past few days. In the two years that we have been in our home this is the first time I remember seeing one. It’s quite aggressive, and it spends a majority of it’s time squawking at us while perched in the trees that surround our backyard. This little guy even goes after Scarlett as she runs through the yard. Reminiscent of old WWII fighter planes, he’ll swoop down and get as close as he can and to try and scare her off. She doesn’t seem to be bothered by it however. If I’m being honest I’m more concerned for the bird as I know if he gets too close, Scarlett will surely grab him and that will be the end of that.
I captured the photos below with my Fujifilm X-Pro2 and Fujinon XF 55-200mm telephoto lens. I purchased the lens a little over a month ago while Fujifilm was having their summer sale. I’m quite pleased with it and I have enjoyed the increase in range it offers, especially when photographing birds in the backyard. Before this lens the longest I could photograph was 55mm. The ability to zoom into a subject and compress a scene has led to new compositions and added another facet to my photography. Over the past week or so I have been jotting down my thoughts on the 55-200 and have been kicking around the idea of a review. Stay tuned for that. For now enjoy the photos of this Northern Mockingbird.
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The Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) is the only mockingbird commonly found in North America. This bird is mainly a permanent resident, but northern birds may move south during harsh weather. This species has rarely been observed in Europe. This species was first described by Linnaeus in his Systema Naturæ in 1758 as Turdus polyglottos. The northern mockingbird is known for its mimicking ability, as reflected by the meaning of its scientific name, "many-tongued mimic". The northern mockingbird has gray to brown upper feathers and a paler belly. Its tail and wings have white patches which are visible in flight.
The northern mockingbird is an omnivore, eating both insects and fruits. It is often found in open areas and forest edges but forages in grassy land. The northern mockingbird breeds in southeastern Canada, the United States, northern Mexico, the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands and the Greater Antilles. It is replaced further south by its closest living relative, the tropical mockingbird. The Socorro mockingbird, an endangered species, is also closely related, contrary to previous opinion. The northern mockingbird is listed as of Least Concern according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
The northern mockingbird is known for its intelligence. A 2009 study showed that the bird was able to recognize individual humans, particularly noting those who had previously been intruders or threats. Also birds recognize their breeding spots and return to areas in which they had greatest success in previous years. Urban birds are more likely to demonstrate this behavior. Finally, the mockingbird is influential in United States culture, being the state bird of five states, appearing in book titles, songs and lullabies, and making other appearances in popular culture. - Wikipedia
