Northern Mockingbird in Flag

[mwsomers]

Yesterday I had a Northern Mockingbird in my crabapple tree in the Continental area of Flagstaff.  I've never seen one in Flag before.  Is this a rare event?

[Chuck LaRue]

They show in and near town in spring and summer but a winter record is unusual.

[richarmstrong]

1. mockingbirds are common in verde valley in spring/summer, but they almost all leave (to scottsdale yards maybe?).
2. we have had 1 on sedona cbc in 2012, 2013, 2014, then 3 in 2015, 2 in 2016, and an amazing 16 (11 out bill gray road) in 2017.
3. part of this might be improved coverage, or maybe last year was a mild winter into december?
4. i would have to dig to see how many were on jerome and camp verde cbcs, but certainly not many.
rich armstrong
928-282-3675

[Roger]

Mockingbirds are insectivorous in summer but frugivores in winter. Wintering NOMO tend to stick closely to a durable food source. In the Verde this is typically a large pyracantha and any wintering individual is usually a pretty reliable CBC stakeout - often year after year.

I imagine that a survey for food sources would be the best way to find mockingbirds during this season.

[tblows]

The only records in the 48 years of the Flagstaff: Mt Elden Christmas Bird Count are single Northern Mockingbirds in 2005 and 2010.

[jawilder]

In the last 10 years, I can count the number of Northern Mockingbirds I've seen within Flagstaff city limits on one hand. They're pretty sparse in the immediate area of town year-round.

Jason
Flagstaff, AZ

[mwsomers]

Thanks to all for your input.  I hope to see this rare character again, and be more ready to perhaps get a photograph.