What Bird Sings All Night How Do I Get it to Stop?
Without a doubt, losing sleep because a Mockingbird won't stop singing and chirping all night is no fun.
First, make sure it's a bird and not a squirrel. Squirrels make a rasping sound. Mockingbirds sound like birds.
Chasing the bird away may work for a short while, but it's unlikely to work permanently.
The male mockingbird has established his territory, and there is little you can do to change his mind.
Plastic Owls, hawks, and snakes will be of little help to stop the singing at night. Lethal action against the bird is illegal.
Is It A Bird or Something Else?
Just because you hear a chirping sound coming from the treetops at night doesn't mean it's a bird singing. Does it sound like this?
Squirrel Squawking
If so, it's a squirrel and we can stop right here as we are not talking about squirrels.
Other treetop night sounds can be from Katydids, Grasshoppers, and crickets. Each can sound like a bird in their way.
Tree frogs are common in the south from east Texas to Florida and into the Carolinas. Search YouTube for their sounds.
On the other hand, if you're sure it's a bird singing, then first things first.
There are Laws Regarding Birds.
Federal laws protect most birds under the "Migratory Bird Act of 1918," as well as by state laws.
It is illegal to destroy, relocate, or possess birds, their nests, or their eggs.
The only exceptions are non-native species: House Sparrows, European Starlings, and Pigeons.
Only trained and licensed wildlife rehabilitators who have passed a federal and/or state-administered test can care for injured or orphaned wildlife legally.
I understand the frustration one feels when a mockingbird is squawking all night long. It makes you want to SCREAM!
Unmated males are the most likely birds to be doing the "night singing". Once mated, the singing will usually stop as they begin the process of nest building and raising young.
Steps You Can Take to Reduce the Noise You're Hearing
- Foremost, close all windows, including storm windows.
- If in a small shrub or dwarf tree, try bird netting. Sold in the garden sections of most box stores. They also sell it as deer netting. Keeps the bird from getting inside the shrub or tree.
- Use a fan to help drown out the mockingbirds singing.
- Purchase soft foam earplugs. If it's happening right now, get some cotton balls and use them.
- Use your CD player, purchase relaxation cds, sounds of rain, rivers flowing, or pleasant music.
- Move your sleeping quarters to another room in your house. Maybe an air mattress in the living room and use a Spa Relaxation Machine.
Finding an acceptable noise to drown out the singing is about the only thing we can do until either a mate is found, or he gives up and moves on.
Warning, The Following is Illegal!
I've read online of people using garden hoses and spraying the birds. It may work and it might not. It can reduce the birds temperature and cause harm or death.
At a minimum it's considered harassment, and violates local, state, and Federal laws. Charges would be under your local animal cruelty ordinances. You definitely don't want that.
Learn About The Habits of Mockingbirds
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| Birds and Blooms | Pioneer Woman | People Magazine | First For Women |
