Control, and requested to get someone to remove the bird from the area. "We can't do that," replied the Animal Control Specialist. "Mockingbirds are a valued feature of North America's wildlife and are protected by many laws. You should consider yourself lucky to have one so close to home. Just enjoy the beautiful sounds of nature." Furious, Michael hung up the phone, and threw himself on the couch, dozing off into the deepest sleep he had ever experienced all week. Only five minutes later he awoke to a thunderous "caw-caw!" coming from outside.