Jordan Lake. Over the last couple of days the Riley’s 13 year cicada chorus has mostly faded into history. Now the birds such as this northern mockingbird are snacking on what they can find in amongst the rocks, on the sidewalks and probably in your yards. This mockingbird certainly enjoyed his cicada snack.

Jordan Lake. I watched for over two hours as the northern mockingbird did its best to say no to the black racer snake. Neither animal was hurt but both were very frustrated. Yes black racers will get into birds’ nests. Yes black racers sometimes become a meal for hawks, bald eagles and other snakes. I always try to remember that nature is never cruel but she is harsh.