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Sunday, May 23, 2010

Brown Thrasher in My Yard

 
brown thrashers in a lawn

Brown Thrashers have always been one of my favorite birds. I can't even quite explain why. I think it's partly because they are somewhat secretive, usually flitting around in the understory. Probably, partly because it's a bird I learned as a child. Their brown is a rich chestnut, one of my favorite hues.

brown thrasher in a tree

Early this morning, look who was hunting for bugs in my lawn! Not one, but a pair of them! I wasn't sure I could get their pictures, and indeed, they flew up into an apple tree. But then they came back down to finish their breakfast. I was shooting into the morning sun, so the pictures could be better, but I'm thrilled to even get these.

brown thrasher

Note the rather distinctive shape. They are about the size of a robin, but the tail is longer, and so is the beak. Some people mistake them for the Wood Thrush. But the thrush has a spotted breast, while the Brown Thrasher's is streaked.

brown thrasher breast


See Brown Thrasher

10 comments:

The Oceanside Animals said...

I think we used to see these fellows in New York, too.

RNSANE said...

They are lovely birds. Your pictures are quite good, sun or not!

Glynis Peters said...

They remind me of the Thrush in the UK. I do not see these types in Cyprus.

Lovely birds.

Joe Todd said...

I think an "Aristocratic Look"

betchai said...

they are beautiful birds, Sharkbytes, and love your photos, i love the emtoions of the birds that you captured.

Ann said...

Love the markings on them. What a pretty little bird.

Duxbury Ramblers said...

Another set of good photos, what will you get on the lawn next? :)

Cruiselife & Co said...

These are fascinating looking birds. They remind me of a type of quail or pigeon.

Rick (Ratty) said...

I'm glad you got to see your favorite bird, and even more glad that you shared it. Birds have been my thing recently. I've been seeing so many that I'm beginning to really like them.

Sharkbytes said...

Dennis- yes, that's where I learned them. 'member I grew up there.

Carmen- thanks... I just want the focus to be sharper.

Glynis- you have a good eye. They are a thrush.

Joe- Oh! That's a good word for them!

Betchai- they do seem to reflect personality and feelings, don't they?

Ann- they are quite distinctive, and so rich looking.

Carol- don't know... but I'm headed for the woods soon, so we'll see what I find there.

Hi Digger- Sorry, I don't know your real name. They are about the size of a pigeon, only slimmer. Not so big as a quail.

Ratty- I am just stunned that they are in my yard... again this morning too. I see them in the cemetery, but never by the house before.