I've spent the whole summer trying to figure out what a certain bird is in my backyard. There's more than one of them, but they are aggressive! They are basically a backyard bully. Another bird will be minding it's own business on the other side of the yard, and these things will come and attack it for no reason! They seriously start fights! Last night I watched one chase a robin from the back to the front and up/down/all around. It was nuts! Over the 4th I saw a whole group of them fighting with a group of robins. It was like West Side Story, but with bird gangs.

Anywhoo, I FINALLY figured out what kind of bird it is! You have no idea the relief this brings - I've done so much googling! It's a Northern Mockingbird, and apparently they are known for their aggressive nature, especially during mating season - which is now until August sometime. They are known to be smart and can recognize people who have gotten near their nest, and will attack them even weeks later. Thank god these weren't the birds who built nests right next to my back patio or I wouldn't be able to go out there.

I'm so relieved by this revelation, you have no idea.


Mockingbirds bear a grudge against particular people

In the first published account of wild animals recognising individuals of another species, the songbirds attacked people who had threatened them in the past

[link to www.theguardian.com (secure)]