The mockingbird is Florida's state bird. They live in cities and suburbs, countryside and seaside, making their nests where ever they please. Mockingbirds are known for their song, their vocal range, specifically. They have a unique talent and ability to mimic the songs of other birds. Mockingbirds love to sing, in fact, they even sing at night while other daytime creatures might be asleep. These remarkable birds are an important part of our ecosystem for many reasons. They eat insects and assist in pollination. Their brilliant birdsong brings joy to anyone who encounters it.
“Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. They don’t eat up people’s gardens, don’t nest in corncribs, they don’t do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.” – Miss Maudie Atkinson, To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee
It began with a short and simple meet-cute with a particular mockingbird who lived in and around my yard. I had noticed him a couple years after we moved into our home, but thought nothing of it at the time. After living in our house for awhile, I started to spend more hours outdoors doing yard work and became familiar with the animals I was sharing my neighborhood with. Some of them were considered nuisances or pests because they dug holes, made messes or fed on vegetation. The flighty mockingbird seemed to be a nuisance at first glance. He made little messes in our mulch, and dive-bombed the passersby. I was mildly annoyed by his presence and complained weekly of his bad manners.
I can't explain why he got under my skin, but, eventually I made peace with him and even gave him a name. One morning, I was sweeping the front drive and he flew over to get a closer look. He sat right next to me on a short palm tree and just kind of studied me and rested. We spent this moment together in harmony and I realized I was foolish for not considering that he could be a friend. I named him "Mocky", and from then on he was our guest.
Mocky graced us with his presence daily and swiftly took up residence in our backyard. He spent his days darting around, swooping, and pecking at weeds and bugs. He became a part of our routine. We even looked forward to seeing him, and hearing his song.
A few years later, in late September of 2022, Hurricane Ian crashed our party and caused devastation to many people, and animals. Our life in general was changed forever. The world as we knew it looked and felt different, damaged, or destroyed. It was difficult to feel safe or secure, and we searched for a connection that didn't seem to be there anymore.
As we cleaned and struggled to find a sense of normalcy, I looked for signs of hope. I found that hope I needed in Mocky. Mocky was there the morning right after the storm hit. He was singing his tune, and tending to his task at hand. He was a bright spot in our darker days. His familiar presence was comforting and provided the confidence we needed. Our pool patio screening had been ripped through, and he took advantage, doing a few fly-bys throughout the afternoon, and even perching or sitting on the ground to gaze quizically at the new view.
Needless to say, we were all thrilled that by some miracle, Mocky had survived the storm. He visited us daily, checking in, and seemed to be a messenger of sorts-signaling that things would be okay. We were grateful for this gift, and wanted to repay him for his kindness. I thought about how I might go about doing so. Plants and vegetation were scarce right now. Many animals had to work extra hard to find food. Mocky might truly benefit from a delicious snack or treat to bolster him through this dry spot. I did some research to discover what mockingbirds enjoy eating. Berries were at the top of the list. That weekend, when we went to the grocery store, I grabbed a container of raspberries with Mocky's name on it.
I wasn't sure how to go about feeding Mocky, but because of the fact that he was a wild bird, I knew he wouldn't eat out of my hand. And I didn't want to tame him. I wanted him to stay exactly how he was. Innocent.
If I risked placing the tasty treat in the grass, it would surely be devoured by insects or other animals. I knew the patio would be a safe place for Mocky to snack. I put the berries out first thing the next morning and waited and watched for Mocky's arrival. I wondered how long it would take him to find this gift. And would he be at all interested? I hoped so.
Several hours and a few fly-bys later, Mocky felt comfortable enough to nibble at a nourishing meal. He would take a couple berries, and then leave for awhile, only to return for a few more. This lasted for the entire day; I was impressed by how he managed to make such a meager offering stretch to provide the energy he needed to complete his duties. I was also relieved and pleased that Mocky not only accepted the gift but appreciated it as well.
It was a good day. Our kinship with Mocky seemed to have grown.
He made it a habit to sing a special song each morning at 6 am to announce to the world that the sun was rising and it was time to wake up.
My daughter and I looked forward to watching him out her bedroom window where he liked to perch in an old overgrown palm tree. He would sit and preen for hours, and keep watch over our land.
It seemed like he had settled in, and would remain here as our guest for always. And don't familiar things seem that way, the good things we want to hold on to for comfort. Seems like they'll never leave us, the things we get used to.
Mocky heard a greater calling. A few weeks ago, he left us and hasn't returned. Maybe one day he will, but, I think Mocky is needed to spread his message of joy and positivity elsewhere. To other people who need it most.
Mocky is a messenger. A reminder that life goes on. Things change from day to day, and yet, if we share our song with others, we are comforted by a connection that is everlasting. We can maintain a feel of community in our hearts that will provide the strength to overcome almost any hardship in life.
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