When you live in Texas, you just accept some undeniable truths that simply don't apply elsewhere. From our infatuation with all things football to our love of barbecue, you will be nodding your head in agreement with this list if you are a tried and true Texan!
1) Football season means we won't be moving from the stadium (or our couch) on Sunday nights. Get used to it.
I'm not an avid birdwatcher, but I do enjoy observing them on my daily morning walk. One bird I can always count on seeing is the Northern mockingbird (the state bird of Texas), identifiable by its long tail, distinct light grey color, and bold, fearless behavior (I've seen them chasing after hawks on multiple occasions!). While this little bird doesn't have a unique song since it mimics other birds, it does have a singing pattern all its own, and I can always recognize the Northern mockingbird in Texas whenever I step outside.
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If you live in Texas, there's a good chance you've seen these little guys milling about. They're Northern mockingbirds - our official state bird (along with Arkansas, Florida, Mississippi, and Tennessee) - and they are abundant all throughout the state.
The scientific name for the Northern mockingbird is Mimus polyglottos, which translates to "many-tongued mimic." This refers to the bird's ability to mimic a variety of other birds such as the Carolina wren, the American robin, and the Northern cardinal.
Mockingbirds possess anywhere from around 40 to 200 individual songs. Scientists have identified four distinct calls used by the Northern mockingbird: the nest relief call, hew call, chat or chatburst, and the begging call. The first and last of these calls are used only by males, but the other two can be heard from both sexes.
The birds sing in phrases, which they repeat several times before switching to a new one. Each song lasts at least 20 seconds and sounds like high-pitched whistling.
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What's even more interesting is that Northern mockingbirds can also mimic other sounds, including dog barks, sirens, and even musical instruments.
So next time you think you hear a pooch in your neighborhood that just won't stop yapping, it just might be our state bird instead!
Check out this YouTube video by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to hear the magnificent, sing-song voice of the Northern mockingbird for yourself:
Have you ever seen a Northern mockingbird in Texas? What do you think about their songs? Tell us in the comments! Check out REI for a great selection of binoculars if you're interested in birdwatching. For more things to love about Texas, give our previous article a read below (and prepare for all of the feels!).
No matter how far we may venture from the Lone Star State, it will always be home. That is why there's no better sight in the world than the "Welcome to Texas" sign greeting all who cross over into our beloved homeland. Whether you're returning from a lengthy road trip or just visiting for a while, this sign lets you know you've just entered the best place on earth.
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Whether you're a lifelong resident of the Lone Star State who's just been away for a while or it's your first time visiting, there's a certain shift that occurs in your psyche when you cross over into Texas.
All along the borders with New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mexico, you'll feel a certain way when you spot that entering Texas sign. It is so much more than a mere quirky photo-op. The sight of it evokes a heartwarming feeling that little else can do. It’s a little bit of Texas pride!
No matter what state you're coming from or how long you've been in the car, there is a distinct sense of relief that washes over you upon entrance into Texas. Life in Texas can just be... better, sometimes!
Perhaps you're even crossing into the Lone Star State from Mexico - in that case, not only will you see the iconic Texas sign, but also one that reads "Welcome to the United States of America."
Many of the highways leading into Texas are extremely desolate, and it's quite common to go hours without passing through a single town or seeing another vehicle. In those instances, the Texas welcome sign is as comforting as seeing an old friend for the first time in a long while. Simply put, it feels like home. There isn’t much else in the world like living in Texas!
As you reenter Texas, expect to feel a deep appreciation for the vastness of our state and all the different landscapes it encompasses. From the lush wetlands in the east...
So throw on a cowboy hat and start singing "Deep in the Heart of Texas" as you feel your heart swell with pride for this great state we're so lucky to live in.
