Friday, March 2, is TEXAS Independence Day.  On this day in 1836 Texas declared its independence from Mexico and became the Republic of Texas! This independence was not secured until the Battle of San Jacinto which occurred on April 21, 1836.  In that battle a Mexican army under General Santa Anna was defeated and the general captured.  The general was induced to sign a peace treaty agreeing that the Mexican army would vacate the territory.

So why am I bringing this up on a birding site?  First of all, I’m at least a fifth generation Texan and that is where I lived for 50+ years before moving to Anacortes.

Second, the State bird of Texas is the Northern Mockingbird.  It’s normally found no further northwest than southwestern Oregon.  However, in honor of Texas Independence Day, we have an unscheduled appearance of a Northern mockingbird here in Anacortes.  Here, without further elaboration, is the Anacortes Northern mockingbird!  Enjoy!