Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

19th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Mockingbird's Breath

We experienced near record lows on the morning of May 13th in Mount Holly, North Carolina, so I went out for a dawn wildlife adventure hoping to capture some animal(s) living amongst the foggy golden sunrise atmosphere. Unfortunately, I saw nothing of interest on my 45 minute walk. Feeling defeated, I headed back to my car and was greeted by this mockingbird making spirited calls every few seconds. The mockingbird demanded my attention, rightfully so. Its breath came out looking like some sort of rainbow prism spell that might bring you back to life if you were to die in one of those fantasy sci-fi shows. Each call displayed as a significantly unique pattern - brilliant works of art. This is what music looks like.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 05.2021
Date Uploaded: 11.2021
Photo Location: Mount Holly, North Carolina, United States of America
Camera: NIKON D3400
Copyright: © emily critcher