I’ve been wanting to write a post about this for about a week now so I figured no time like the present. Since the weather has warmed up in Virginia, there has been a new occurrence outside my open windows, a lone bird singing. Now I know what you must be thinking at this moment, “That’s what birds do, the sun comes up and they start singing” and you’d be right, that’s what most birds do. Well, my particular bird appears to be nocturnal. He only starts banging on around 1:00-1:30 AM. Last night as I lay on the couch trying to fall asleep, I deciced instead of counting sheep, I’d try to count how many different warbles my annoying new neighbor has. I got up to twenty-three before getting bored. He doesn’t shut up once he starts either; earlier in the week he was going on until 5:00 AM, which is when I finally fell off, and he really did not stop, I’m not exaggerating his tenacity.
I’m glad he’s happy and communicating with whomever he’s communicating with but it would be nice if he’d do it at a more suitable time of the day like all the other birds do. I suppose he’s a rebel though so I should take comfort in that. Right?
P.S. I don’t know that he’s a blackbird, I don’t know what kind of bird he is ’cause it’s dark and all so I can’t see him. Of course, even if I could see him, I still wouldn’t know what kind of bird he is.
Viva la Bird!
My name’s Jen; I’m a cynical, sarcastic, ex-drummer who is fond of dark humor. I've held way too many factory & retail jobs but finally found my calling one Christmas holiday in a dark, musty basement. I am now a CSS & XHTML web standards looney and can be found daily—when I’m not at my Mac—at the local fair-trade coffee shop buying an iced-soy mocha no matter the temperature.
I am also the owner of Pop Stalin Design specializing in CSS & XHTML web design as well as custom WordPress themes.
In case you’re interested, here’s what I found:
Reports of birds singing at night can usually be attributed to a lone mockingbird sounding off from the top of a tree, TV antenna, or chimney. Inevitably, there are those who are entranced by the song and those who are disturbed by it.
IDENTIFICATION
The Northern Mockingbird is about the size of a robin but slimmer. It is medium gray with lighter gray on the breast, and darker gray wings and tail. Patches of white on the wings and edges of the tail are visible when the bird is in flight.
NATURAL HISTORY
Since the mid-1950s, several “southern” birds have moved into Massachusetts and taken up residence. Perhaps the most famous and vocal is the Northern Mockingbird.
Mockingbirds, often called mimic thrushes, are in the same family as Gray Catbirds and Brown Thrashers. The family name, Mimidae, means mimic or imitator. Experts have identified the vocalizations of almost 40 birds, as well as a creaking door, barking dog and whistling mailcarrier.
One of reasons people notice mockingbirds is because they are frequently heard singing in urban and suburban neighborhoods at night. The male virtuoso sings his repertoire anytime day or night to attract a female. This behavior occurs during breeding season in late spring and early summer.
I just googled “bird singing at night and Massachusetts,” and stumbled upon this blog. I’ve also been hearing a lone bird singing 4 or so different calls at night, starting around 1AM. Sounds like it it must span from at least VA to MA.
Thanks! It was like an epiphany or maybe I was listening to The Beatles at the time.
Much too hot state side for window closing—today it’s only going to be 82 (27 for those on the other side of the pond) as opposed to the 90’s it has been. I refuse to use the air conditioner at this point.
Liking that inspired title, Jen
Like you say though - (s)he probably ain’t a blackbird.
Can you not close your windows at night? Or is the weather too hot state-side?
My bird started shortly after 1 AM this morning and when I finally fell off around 6 he was still going. How he doesn’t go hoarse I’ll never know.
Ireland eh? Gotta say I’m a wee bit jealous. Maybe someday I’ll get across the Atlantic.