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To Know A Mockingbird

This column was written by CBS News Early Show co-anchor Harry Smith.


An old friend returned to the neighborhood yesterday.

He's been coming to the city for several years now and makes his home on the roof of our apartment building. Yesterday, I happened to be on the roof and I heard his voice, and recognized him immediately.

He is a mockingbird … and is the surest sign that spring is here for real.

To see him again is to know that he safely navigated thousands of miles on his winter migration south. What did he see…where did he go, I wonder as I listen to his songs.

And what a repertoire - the mockingbird steals from many other species. If you close your eyes you'd never be able to tell the difference. He sings all day - sometimes into the night, which means he's likely a male, looking for a mate.

And while I appreciate all those songs, it makes me a little sad to know my old friend is still looking for love.

Here I thought he just liked living in the city close to the park … and me.
By Harry Smith

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