Meet the Neighbors

There's a species of bird around here that I can't identify. It's mainly gray, black and white - with a broad white stripe on its wing. Its body and head are like those of a sparrow, but it has a long square tail. It's a surprisingly bold bird. Assertive like a bluejay, but not as cowardly. Not quite the beggar the doves can be.

In any event, one of them nested in a large bush on our neighbor's property. Every day for the past 2-3 weeks, I've seen the adult (presumably the father) sitting on the wires outside my window. He's chased squirrels off the wire and from the branches of the tree near this bush. I've seen him come back and forth to the bush with food.

Alex and I called him 'Proud Papa'. He was quite the star of our Spring. We'd see him in front of our walk, on our patio roof, on our patio rails and pretty much everywhere near our home.

Yesterday, I saw 2 smaller versions of Proud Papa flying to the wires with him. I believe they'll soon be leaving their nest. Now, I call Alex to see Proud Papa or his babies anytime I see them.

Alex shrieks with excitement if he can see them. He's anxious to see the babies. For me, it's a little bittersweet to see them. When I do, I recall that for birds, independent maturity marks the very last time that most parents see their children.

Nah, I don't care for that bit. I prefer the way the tigers do it. (Non-aggressive, adult daughters will often stay with or around a mother until she dies.)

PS. from 6/9/10 Proud Papa and his clan are Northern Mockingbirds. Thanks Karris' Mom from Music class!
Northern Mockingbird

Monday, June 7