Is this a Northern Mockingbird?

By J.D. Lasica

This summer and fall, the most melodious bird I’ve ever heard kept a regular vigil outside my home here in the San Francisco East Bay.

I’m really curious if anyone can identify it. Take a listen:

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Some observations:

• It spend a lot of time in a tree next door, and I snapped the photos above (but needed a more powerful lens) while it flitted up in the air about six feet and then descended on the top branch again.

• It was as nocturnal as I am, with much of its chirping and warbling taking place between midnight and 2 am. The sounds were fantastically primal, with at least a dozen variations coming from the same bird.

Leif Utne, who’s become something of a naturalist up in the Pacific Northwest, offered to take a crack at this a while back, and one Twitter friend sent along these links:

• Northern Mockingbird, from Field Guide to Birds of North America, which notes that its terrain includes Northern California.

• Know your garden bird song (Guardian) — the song thrush could be another candidate.

So, mockingbird, or not?
JD Lasica works with social change organizations, nonprofits and businesses on social media strategies. See his profile, visit his business blog, contact JD or leave a comment.