A Northern Mockingbird

During a short break from the winter rains, I opened the kitchen door to take out the Christmas wreath to the compost bin. I suddenly heard very loud chirps.

I turned around to see a Northern Mockingbird perched on a branch of a tall shrub.

It looked right at me as it continued its very loud distinct call.

I don't remember having ever seen a mockingbird so close, and usually I hear them sing a repertoire of up to thirty different bird calls.