I just returned from visiting a friend in L.A. - not a bird lover, so I
didn't get to any hot spots. Anyway, she has a typical bungalow with a
huge mass of bougainvillea over her door. A pair of mockingbirds has
claimed that territory, and they dive bomb all who pass. They also seam
to have a repertoire limited to unlovely screeches. I found their antics
amusing during my short visit, but my friend (who admits to having
developed a bad attitude since moving to LaLa land) can't cope and is
showing signs of incipient violence. I told her I would ask for
suggestions on how to discourage them from this behavior, and forward
anything promising to her. She is pretty sure that they have fledged at
least one offspring this summer. I can see what looks like a possible
nest in the mass of greenery around her door, but there are no sounds
from it. Even in her urban guerilla mode, she doesn't want to disturb an
active nest.

I considered sending her a hummingbird feeder. Are hummingbirds
pugnacious enough to rout the mockers? Or would that be unethical? I
don't want the conflict to escalate!

Sorry to be so verbose. Please send any tips to me, off-list if you
think appropriate. Thanks from Debbie