I’m sharing a short tale this morning of a Northern Mockingbird chick with lifted wings and a big attitude. I photographed her or him on the 4th of July.

Northern Mockingbird chick with lifted wings and a big attitude, Sebastian County, ArkansasNorthern Mockingbird chick with lifted wings and a big attitude – Canon R7, handheld, f8, 1/1000, ISO 800, -0.7 EV, Canon EF 100-400mm II at 400mm, natural light

There were actually two young mockingbirds at the base of this pine tree. This little one was in the best light, so I focused on them more.

Both baby mockingbirds were probably fresh out of the nest. They still had downy feathers on their heads, they weren’t fully flighted, and their gapes were very noticeable.

Some might even say they were so homely they had faces only a mother could love.

Well, not that it matters. I’m a mother, and I found them adorably cute.

I never did get any closer images of the young Northern Mockingbirds than this. If they had moved closer to me, I would have been delighted to photograph them and get frame-filling photos, but they didn’t. I’m good with that.

My subject’s comfort is always more important than the photos I take.

These are the youngest Northern Mockingbird photos I’ve ever taken, and I’m thrilled with them.

And yes, I do think the lifted wings and stare help give this chick the appearance of a “big attitude” in the photo.

In reality, the mockingbird chick was simply trying to climb up the rough bark of the pine tree. That’s all.

With all the cuteness they could muster!

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Northern Mockingbird photos plus facts and information about this species.