Chickadees sing and cardinals whistle around us as Anne and I walk in our community here in Central Florida. Although it is January, the days are growing longer causing hormones to surge through birds’ bodies stimulating males to begin the task of setting up nesting territories to attract mates.

A mockingbird stands guard atop a hedgerow of shrubs nervously looking in different directions. Have seen it here a few days now. Perhaps it is setting up shop here for nesting.

It will be a place to keep an eye on. It will provide good photographic opportunities, but it also may be a place to keep our distance from. Once eggs are hatched the adult birds will fiercely defend their young against any and all threats.