INCESSANT SINGING

My son Alex and I were headed out to grab something to eat. While I was locking the front door I couldn’t help but hear the mockingbird at the top of our holly tree singing away.

We both stopped to listen to him. “He doesn’t stop for a breath.” I said as the bird went from one song to another seamlessly.

“Tell me about it.” Alex sighed as he began shaking his head. “He’s right outside my bedroom window and he’s non-stop!”

“How long has he been in the holly tree?”

“Weeks!” Alex began walking to the car. “From first thing in the morning until sunset!”

I walked down the steps following him to the car. “Well it’s Spring. He’s probably calling out for a mate.”

“Well, I hope he doesn’t find one.” Alex said as he got in the car and fastened his seat belt.

“Hey, that’s not very nice.” I scolded him as I started the car and the radio began to play.

“Okay, I’ll correct that.” He leaned forward and turned the radio off. “I hope he doesn’t find one in our yard.” He leaned back and looked over at me. “How’s that?”

“I guess that’s better.” I put the car in reverse and backed out of the driveway. “You know, mockingbirds are one of the birds that can recognize faces.” I put the car in drive and looked over at Alex. “So don’t think you’re going to be able to chase him away because he’ll come after you.” I warned.

“Don’t worry I’m not going to do anything mean.”

I looked over at him raising my eyebrows. “Like when you put the rubber snakes in the holly tree to stop the robins from nesting in it?”

Alex laughed. “Oh, yeah. I forgot about that!” He shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. “It didn’t work. The robins nest in that tree every year!”

“You certainly have a lot of complaints about the holly tree.” We were almost at the bagel store.

“Only in the Spring.” He corrected me. “Because it’s right next to my bed!”

“It’s only a few weeks until the babies leave the nest.”

“How would you like to get woken up every morning by baby robins screaming to be fed?” He looked over at me as I pulled into the parking lot. “I used to think the robins were a pain but now that the mockingbird has claimed the tree it’s worse! He doesn’t take a breath between songs!”

“It won’t be much longer.” I reasoned.

“How do you know?” Alex countered.

I parked the car and looked over at him. “Actually I don’t.” I admitted. “But try and look on the bright side.”

Alex didn’t look impressed with what I was about to say. “What bright side?”

“At least it’s not a catbird that just yells.” I tried looking hopeful. “The mockingbird at least sings.”

“That’s the bright side?” Alex laughed.

“Well, that and lunch is on me today.” I gave him a quick smile.

Alex smiled and nodded. “That could definitely help.”