Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Marthe48

(23,033 posts)
Mon Mar 9, 2026, 09:21 AM Yesterday

Is it possible to hear too much birdsong?

There is a mockingbird close by my house. I think they practice their borrowed calls constantly, and if they have chicks, they imprint their repertoire on the chicks, who then practice all day and sometimes all night.

I got up around 6 a.m. and heard a bird singing, something unfamiliar. After endless repetition, I decided it was a mockingbird practicing. After 3 hours, it has taken a break.

I love mockingbirds, and I put fruit out for them, along with seeds. Sometimes, I wish they were a little less dedicated to their art.



11 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Is it possible to hear too much birdsong? (Original Post) Marthe48 Yesterday OP
I have one who has claimed my five blueberry bushes Phoenix61 23 hrs ago #1
The mockingbirds at my daughter's Marthe48 22 hrs ago #6
Yes. mahatmakanejeeves 23 hrs ago #2
Lol Marthe48 22 hrs ago #7
Exactly. But the ones who have done their HITCHCOCK-Birds thing on me: UTUSN 23 hrs ago #3
The screaming violins get me every time Marthe48 22 hrs ago #8
Could be worse ... marble falls 23 hrs ago #4
The squirrels and woodpeckers Marthe48 22 hrs ago #5
I have a "white noise generator" in my house. It masks the sound of birds and other annoyances. Midnight Writer 22 hrs ago #9
Thought to be an evolutionary tie to birdsong dweller 22 hrs ago #10
When I walked my grand dogs Marthe48 21 hrs ago #11

Phoenix61

(18,811 posts)
1. I have one who has claimed my five blueberry bushes
Mon Mar 9, 2026, 09:30 AM
23 hrs ago

as his own. Works out great for me as he chases all the other birds away.

Marthe48

(23,033 posts)
6. The mockingbirds at my daughter's
Mon Mar 9, 2026, 10:43 AM
22 hrs ago

Likes their holly bush for nesting. She has had to save several fledglings every year when they fell out of the nest. She's got a great success rate for letting them rest up and try again. The adults are grateful and hang out near her, thanking her with their calls.

They don't nest in my yard, but there are battles every year between the mockers and robins, or cardinals.



UTUSN

(77,561 posts)
3. Exactly. But the ones who have done their HITCHCOCK-Birds thing on me:
Mon Mar 9, 2026, 09:49 AM
23 hrs ago

1- Never needed encouragement (feeding) or interaction, arrogantly aloof;

2- been aggressive preemptively protecting their nest (no threat from me);

3- and never needed a break.

*** Thanks for the truth, risking shocked disapproval, although you show more indulgence than I. Despite my music appreciation, I driven to freaked distraction by certain pieces of MOZART featuring all soprano chorals in frenzied trilling!




Marthe48

(23,033 posts)
5. The squirrels and woodpeckers
Mon Mar 9, 2026, 10:38 AM
22 hrs ago

are not dulcet. I thought for a long time the choked growl I heard was a squirrel, but finally saw a woodpecker making the racket. At least the don't have the stamina of the mockers.

Midnight Writer

(25,281 posts)
9. I have a "white noise generator" in my house. It masks the sound of birds and other annoyances.
Mon Mar 9, 2026, 11:06 AM
22 hrs ago

Also a great sleep aid, if you are super-sensitive to sounds like I am.

dweller

(28,218 posts)
10. Thought to be an evolutionary tie to birdsong
Mon Mar 9, 2026, 11:16 AM
22 hrs ago

When the birds fall silent it meant a predator was near .
Birdsong meant safety , and is why we enjoy the sound .


✌🏻

Marthe48

(23,033 posts)
11. When I walked my grand dogs
Mon Mar 9, 2026, 11:52 AM
21 hrs ago

I'd listen for birds and squirrels. I keep the small dog in eyesight, but hearing birds or silence helped me decide my alertness level They've spotted coyotes, bobcats, and foxes close to the house.











Latest Discussions»The DU Lounge»Is it possible to hear to...