Black and White and Gray

The ubiquitous northern mockingbird, among the most common and recognizable songbirds of North America today. 

Black and white and gray.

This handsome specimen was hanging out in the wintry weather among the wild rosebushes along the Endor Trail and Greenway in Sanford, NC.

This now-abundant avian was nearly eliminated from the wild along the east coast of the U.S. during the 1800's;
such was the demand for these tireless crooners as pets. 

Why, a wise woman once wondered, does the caged bird sing?

It's song, she surmised, was a prayer.

Many is the morning I've awakened well before dawn to the sound of a decidedly un-caged male proffering song after song. A prayer perhaps, or maybe a plea...

Next time you're walking through the park or even strolling along a city sidewalk, keep an eye and ear out for the highly territorial mockingbird;
then stick around long enough for it to belt out a few bars...you'll be glad you did!