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| OBX Mockingbird - Pampered Pets Guide |
The Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge on Hatteras Island has a list of over 350 known bird species that visit the refuge. In addition, mockingbirds are abundant throughout the Outer Banks.
eBird (https://ebird.org/species/normoc/L1279912) has terrific information about the Northern Mockingbird for The Elizabethan Gardens on Roanoke Island.
Mockingbirds are known for their ability to mock other bird calls, even Seagulls. They have also been known to mimic cats & car alarms.
The Mockingbird in America has the distinction of being a Presidential Pet, as noted by BirdNote at: "Thomas Jefferson's Mockingbirds"
Today is April 13, the birthday of The United States of America's 3rd President, President Thomas Jefferson (April 13, 1773 - July 4, 1826). President Jefferson served as President of the USA from March 4, 1801 to March 4, 1809. President Thomas Jefferson held the Mockingbird in great esteem.
According to WIKIPEDIA, The Free Encyclopedia: "Dick the Mockingbird"
"In May 1793, in response to a letter from his son-in-law Thomas Mann Randolph,[3] Jefferson wrote: "I sincerely congratulate you on the arrival of the mockingbird. Teach all the children to venerate it as a superior being which will haunt them if any harm is done to itself or its eggs."[4]"
Mockingbirds were in such high demand as pets during the 1800s that the species was almost at the point of extinction. In 1918 the Migratory Bird Treaty Act was enacted. Federal Law protects the Mockingbird. It is illegal to capture or own a Pet Mockingbird in the USA. To kill a Mockingbird would incur a fine and or imprisonment in the United States of America.
When you are on the Outer Banks, please take a moment to listen. What bird calls do you hear? Please look; you might find that the OBX Mockingbird might be the songbird you hear.