The continuing activity of Mr. M., The Mockingbird Enforcer. He has kept me entertained all day. I almost feel sorry for the guy as he wheels frantically from tree to fence and back pursuing any potential threat to his territory. The beautiful stripes on his wings are wonderfully displayed as he leaps and dives from one guard post to another.
The other birds don’t seem particularly afraid of him. The sparrows and finches cluster in the tree branches or line up on the fence, waiting for his attention to be diverted so they can swoop in and grab a mealworm or a peanut. You can tell he can’t stand it. Meanwhile Syd the Squirrel dropped in and totally ignored his efforts at intimidation. For once I’m cheering for Syd!
I did go out a few times to see if I could talk some sense into Mr. M. He let me get quite close, neither threatening me or flying away. It was more like he acknowledged we both had a job to do, and by golly, he was not going to be prevented from doing his. It reminds me of the Looney Tune cartoon where the wolf punches in to take his shift in the sheep pasture.
Right now the mourning doves and juncos have arrived, apparently believing that for the moment the danger has past. They seem to have an instinct for this kind of thing, because, not long ago, taking a break from his duties, Mr. M. grabbed a beakful of mealworms and took off.
Meanwhile I will keep my vigil for Chapter Three in this backyard drama.
Today he was back again, being just as belligerent. I hope he finds a girl friend and stops picking on the neighborhood kids.
