This is the mockingbird that stands guard in our front yard.  He generally positions himself at different posts situated about the area, ready to chase off any intruders who venture into his territory.  Musically, he is an extremely talented bird that likes to sing day and night.  He positions himself in a bush outside our window and performs his varied repertoire of sounds and songs — in a crisp, clear voice — into the early hours of the morning.  Due to his enthusiastic singing, especially during nesting season, I like to keep a pair of ear plugs or a box fan handy — just for those times when my brain yearns for silence.

“When my critics tell me to stop singing, I tell them NAY, NAY, NAY!”  ~Unknown