18 replies to this topic

[hbvol]

I've has two Northern mockingbirds hanging out at my feeder going at the suet block for several days. I've had an occasional one in the winter but not in the spring (it feels like summer here in TN). Anyone else ever see this?

[JimBob]

My mockers (and Brown Thrashers) LOVE suet. They come to it all the time. They also like peanut butter a lot.

[meghann]

Yep, they love my suet blocks. The catbirds do, too.

[JimBob]

I wish Gray Catbirds came to my yard often.

[Pat B.]

I've only been using suet in colder weather. Do you use it all year? Does it melt?

[JimBob]

I only use it in colder weather too. I stopped feeding it for the year about two months ago.

[meghann]

I use it all year, and haven't really had any problems.

JimBob-this is our first year to have Catbirds in our yard. I think they are nesting in our bushes. Love it!

[hbvol]

Some suet brands are a problem in hot weather, but there are several "no melts" brands available now that work great all year. The brand carried by Tractor Supply has been very good. I keep it out for all year for woodpeckers and bluebirds

[Pat B.]

Some suet brands are a problem in hot weather, but there are several "no melts" brands available now that work great all year. The brand carried by Tractor Supply has been very good. I keep it out for all year for woodpeckers and bluebirds

Thanks! I'll give it a try.

[mhelsel]

I recently added a suet feeder to my yard and the Northern Mockingbird is out there every morning, then the Starlings take a turn on it mid morning and by afternoon the Catbirds are on it. It's usually finished in the same day. I can't keep up with it!

[Pat B.]

I can't keep up with it!

Usually the Starlings cause me to give up on suet by the end of the winter. Poor Flickers!

[meghann]

I recently added a suet feeder to my yard and the Northern Mockingbird is out there every morning, then the Starlings take a turn on it mid morning and by afternoon the Catbirds are on it. It's usually finished in the same day. I can't keep up with it!

Wow, now I feel lucky. We put out two suet blocks at a time, and only have to replace them weekly.

[txheat1]

Anyone know what to do with a baby Mocking bird? I've been feeding it with a commercial food for baby birds and he seems to do well but I don't know what to do with it when it gets bigger....right now he still has a fuzzy, downy head and is not trying to fly...any suggestions? Thanks!

[meghann]

Anyone know what to do with a baby Mocking bird? I've been feeding it with a commercial food for baby birds and he seems to do well but I don't know what to do with it when it gets bigger....right now he still has a fuzzy, downy head and is not trying to fly...any suggestions? Thanks!

Get him to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

[cwj2323]

I second meghann. Based on your user name I am guessing Texas. Here is a link that is a starting point..
http://www.tpwd.stat...ild/rehab/list/

This bird needs to be given to someone who is able to give it better care.

[JimBob]

This bird needs to be given to someone who is able to give it better care.

Not that he/she is not doing well, but yes a wildlife rehabber is a much better place for a baby bird.

[cwj2323]

Anyone know what to do with a baby Mocking bird? I've been feeding it with a commercial food for baby birds and he seems to do well but I don't know what to do with it when it gets bigger....right now he still has a fuzzy, downy head and is not trying to fly...any suggestions? Thanks!

As an additional note: It is illegal to keep any native species. It's fine until you get it to someone, but only keep it as long as necessary. I've been reading a book by a bird rehabber and she's received birds from vets where they are dropped off when people do not know any other solution. The reason I mentioned they can give better care is they know the birds' dietary needs, they can put them with others of their kind, so the young learn from them. They have flight areas....

[txheat1]

Thanks to everyone for your helpful advice about my baby Mockingbird, he or she has been reunited with thier family and chirpping happily. It was interesting to note that Mockingbirds are only in the nest for about 2 weeks then they go to ground and the parents continue to feed them for another 4 to 5 days.
Thanks again!

[sailormom64]

I think most "parent" birds take care of their fledglings for awhile after, and teach them the ropes. When you see a little one like that though you don't know what happened to the parent bird, all the mockingbird fledglings in my yard still scream to be fed and the parents still watch over them but ignore the screams for food.