As I have my morning coffee on the back porch and take in the sounds just after dawn I marvel at the sounds and what an early morning symphony of nature it can be. It is by no means quiet, as birds are chirping and crickets rubbing their legs together. There are the roosters announcing that another day is beginning. But of all of these it is the mocking bird that is most enchanting to me. Before they begin to exchange sounds with me they make a metallic sound, somewhat like “ boingggg! boinnnggg!” and at other times sound like an annoying cell phone. It is my understanding that these are male mockingbirds who are trying to attract a mate with these peculiar sounds. They are also trying to copy other birds and are sometimes annoying with their mocking over and over again.

I may have mentioned before that as part of my manic self I love to make noises and match nature sounds. But the exchange with the mocking bird does not come from one of my polarities. It is one of the more enjoyable and healthy things I do on most mornings. I actually love to do bird calls of all kinds. Mocking bird has a special place for me in all bird sounds. Perhaps it is because I get a response back from the creatures and I feel that I am not alone and have made a connection. I do hope I am not confusing the male mocking birds by mocking back at them. Maybe one of you knows and could let me know? But then maybe I like to keep my own interpretation of my experience with mocking birds. They seem as happy with me as I am with them. And despite their reputation of having a song named for them and even a movie, they fill my world with a simple bonding, each morning, on my back porch.