Northern Mockingbirds are famous for their expressive and varied songs, often mimicking other birds. All this month, whenever I have had occasion to walk in Inwood Hill Park or Sherman Creek Park, I’ve come across a loud mockingbird singing its heart out.
In Inwood Hill Park, Northern Mockingbirds often fly to the top of a well-known cherry tree next to the boat house and nature center. It sits atop the graceful curved branches and practices its repertoire, always a work in progress. Mockingbirds tend to start a phrase and repeat it several times, and then move on to the next number. Both male and female birds of the species sing, but the male makes the extra effort to attract a mate. The songs can be lengthy.
On a few occasions recently, a Song Sparrow has alighted in the adjacent tree, and the two sing back and forth or at the same time. Song Sparrows are no slouches either in the capacity for song. The little birds raise their head straight up and belt out a few numbers. They tend to sing more consistently in the upper register, with a metallic sharp trill, but typically in spurts. One often flies to a tree on the peninsula facing the Harlem River for its concerts.
The Northern Mockingbird, the state bird for several southern states, has been a presence around Northern Manhattan for as long as I can remember. I recall a particularly territorial one on the peninsula that used to swoop down from a favorite pine tree and make threatening gestures at an old dog. Its human companion told me about this repeat behavior. I’ve seen many mockingbirds with grumpy looks.
This month, I’ve been observing both a male and female Northern Mockingbird on the peninsula, so perhaps they will build a nest and raise a new generation of bossy singers.
Cover: Northern Mockingbird. March 14, 2026. 9:02 a.m.
March 2026 Sightings
In terms of springtime, I spotted an Eastern Phoebe in the Clove this week and a Double-crested Cormorant in the water and on a dock. Red-breasted Mergansers are around, as expected this time of year. A Great Blue Heron flew in on March 21, and I have a picture of its 5-minute stay.
I can only tell you I’ve seen Golden-crowned Kinglets and Carolina Wrens, but I missed taking their pictures. As always, many of the regular park birds are presented on the page. See March 2026 Sightings page.
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