Mockingbirds are nice and lovely creatures that can look entertaining, especially if you see them collecting food.
Unfortunately, these birds are like pests. They can get annoying, especially if they live near your home. This is because they are known to mimic the songs of other birds or the sounds of other animals on the farm.
As nice as that might sound, you must understand that if they make sounds, they will typically do it loudly and in succession.
This is why there are a lot of people who say that mockingbirds drive them crazy. Especially if they stay near the windows to their bedrooms, they cannot sleep at night.
Legal Considerations
Please be aware that the Migratory Bird Treaty Act safeguards mockingbirds. This act forbids injuring, killing, or capturing these birds.
Consequently, all actions to discourage them should be humane and comply with legal regulations.
Things You Need To Prepare
A Super Soaker
You will need a large water gun to drive the mockingbirds away. If you do not have one, you might be able to scare them off using a Nerf gun with foam bullets.
You can also use a hose with a head that can shoot up for a couple of meters high. Do not use a BB gun or pellet gun
Water
You will need water to power up your super soaker. If you have an exterior faucet, find one nearest to the tree “owned” by the mockingbird.
If you use a Nerf gun, be prepared to let loose and probably lose some bullets. Use bullets that are made of foam, especially those that have soft tips.
Binoculars
You will need this to get a better look at the bird from below. You can use a telescope or make your own spyglass if you do not have one.
If you have night vision goggles, you can use them whenever you need to make your move at night.
Flashlights
You can use this to check where the bird is hiding.
You will also need it to ensure that you will not be hitting power lines or any dangerous obstacles, especially if you will use a hose or a water gun.
A Cardboard Cutout Of An Owl Or Hawk
This will be used to scare the mockingbird away. You can also use ultrasonic animal deterrents or a strong magnet.
These options might be able to scare the bird away from its territory, but they might not work very effectively.
Pruners
This will be used to prune trees. You can use a saw or pruning shears to remove branches and foliage.
Earplugs
This will be used so you can finally get some peace at night.
How To Get Rid Of Mockingbirds Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Launch And All-Out Attack
When getting rid of a noisy mockingbird, try not to let anger get the best of you. You should consider using water instead of shooting or killing the bird.
Arm yourself with a super soaker or with a long hose. Put a powerful head on the hose to shoot water far into the tree.
Before you shoot the bird with water, try to use binoculars or a flashlight so you will know exactly where the bird is perching.
You should also try to check if there are power lines nearby or if there are other dangers. When ready, load the super soaker, turn on the faucet, or load your Nerf gun.
Step 2: Using Scare Tactics
Another way to eliminate the bird is by placing cardboard cutouts of predators like owls and hawks.
However, you need to remember that this bird is very territorial and will not shy away from a fight if necessary. You can try to scare them off by taping the cutouts or nailing them to the tree.
If you think the cutout is insufficient, you might want to use outdoor ultrasonic bird repellents. This device can produce noise that can help keep most birds away. You can also use strong magnets to disrupt the bird’s flying capabilities since they are said to rely on magnetism for direction.
Step 3: Avoiding All Contact With The Bird
If you find the previous steps too harsh for the birds, you might want to give up and use earplugs instead.
This will allow you to sleep peacefully at night, and it can also help the bird to thrive without the presence of any threats. Keep in mind that the mockingbird is protected by law for a reason.
If you do not want the mockingbird to specifically target the trees on your property, you can prune trees and cover berries and fruit-bearing plants by September or February, before mating season.
This will make your property less attractive, forcing them to look for other sustainable areas.
Step 4: Utilize Predatory Bird Calls
Playing recordings of predatory bird calls might be a gentle yet effective strategy. It could subtly persuade the mockingbird to find a safer, more tranquil spot, away from your home.
While mockingbirds are delightful to watch, their loud and continuous mimicry can disrupt your peace, particularly at night. Using these sounds, you gently encourage them to relocate, ensuring their safety and your undisturbed rest.
FAQs About Handling Mockingbirds
Can Mockingbirds Recognize Individual Humans?
Yes, mockingbirds have shown the ability to recognize individual humans. Research indicates that these birds can identify and remember people they perceive as threatening their nests. This unique skill aids them in safeguarding their territory and young ones.
How Long Do Mockingbirds Typically Live?
Mockingbirds have an average lifespan of 8 to 10 years in the wild. However, this can vary based on factors like environment, availability of food, and predation risks. In captivity, with proper care, they may live longer.
Do Mockingbirds Sing All Night Long?
Mockingbirds are known for their extensive and varied vocalizations, and they can indeed sing at night, especially during the breeding season. Male mockingbirds often sing throughout the night to attract a mate. Urban lighting can also influence their nocturnal singing habits.
What Are The Main Predators Of Mockingbirds?
The primary predators of mockingbirds include birds of prey like hawks and falcons, cats, snakes, and larger mammals. Young mockingbirds and eggs are particularly vulnerable to these threats. Mockingbirds are aggressive defenders of their nests and will confront much larger animals to protect their young.
Can Mockingbirds Mimic Human-Made Sounds?
Besides mimicking the songs of other bird species, mockingbirds can also mimic human-made sounds. These can include car alarms, doorbells, and other mechanical noises. Their ability to replicate sounds is part of their natural behavior to attract mates and establish territory.
Conclusion
If a mockingbird is looking for a mate, it can sing day and night tirelessly. They are also very territorial and will show aggression to other birds.
They are also known to “dive bomb” on people. Some people will have sleepless nights, especially if the bird creates a lot of noise late at night.
But you might want to restrain yourself before you start flailing in anger or try to kill the mockingbird.
These birds are protected by law, and it is illegal, not to mention cruel, if you try to get rid of them by killing them or unleashing your pet cat to eat them.
Fortunately, you can try to scare them away or use not-so-deadly force to get rid of them.
You can also try to use more peaceful means by making your property less attractive to the birds, especially when looking for potential nesting areas or areas with easy access to food.