These young thrashers appeared out of the tall brush for the first time three days ago. I suspected a nest was somewhere behind the grassy fence line because their parents were frequently seen there. I observed the young ones for a little while as they investigated the wide open space on my side of the fence. They initially proceeded with caution, staying close to the brush and each other. When they became more comfortable, they intermittently walked and hopped along several feet near the fence line, pecking at the ground. Obviously their "thrashing" skills will develop as the young birds mature.
I contemplated the appearance of the young thrashers in the same area yesterday. They didn't show. However, they surprised me a little later when they made an appearance in the tree near my front porch. They had followed a parent to the bird feeder. Soon one of them made clumsy attempts to follow the parents lead. I saw the family again yesterday evening- this time they were under the huge azalea tree on the opposite side of the yard.
Brown Thrashers are interesting to watch- the adults dart quickly around the shrubby areas in the yard, thrashing heartily through piles of old leaves and tossing them aside. Most often the best images I can capture of them are at the feeders because they're so fast and elusive. Some of the features I find most attractive in the adult brown thrasher are the bright yellow eyes and heavy dark brown streaks on the chest.
I'll post more photos of this thrasher family in a few weeks.
Thank you for visiting!
Linked with Stewart at Wild Bird Wednesday
Beautiful Thrashers, I certainly love 'em.
ReplyDeleteThanks Bob. They're a pleasure to watch.
DeleteThese are wonderful, Susan! I love watching young birds, especially when they interact with their parents and start discovering their world - so fun! We had curved-billed thrashers in AZ, but I don't think I've seen any around here in South TX. Enjoyed your post - have a blessed week!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting, June. This is the first season that I've taken so much time to observe bird families. I've learned so much!
DeleteYou have made a lovely collage with these wonderful shots of the Thrasher
ReplyDeleteThank you, Margaret.
DeleteNice captures of a skittish bird.
ReplyDeleteThanks Janice!
DeleteThey are beautiful.... I'll have to check if we get any around here... I've definitely never seen any, so maybe we don't have them. Too bad...
ReplyDeleteI don't see many of them here either. I feel fortunate to have this thrasher family as temporary residents this summer. Thanks for visiting!
DeleteI love Brown Thrashers, True, they are aptly named! Sweet little ones, baby birds are always a pleasure to observe.
ReplyDeleteThey are sweet, Patti. Thank you for visiting!
DeleteA bird I never see, but would like to, after seeing your delightful photos. It looks like quite a large bird, perhaps thrush size! Will look forward to seeing more pictures, especially of the juveniles.
ReplyDeleteAnd I look forward to sharing them with you. Thank you. Have a great day!
DeleteI always love to see Brown Thrashers.
ReplyDeleteI think the Brown Thrasher is a lovely bird Susan. Your photo set is great I know why it is called "Thrasher" but it seems a liitle unfair on such a smart looking creature.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Phil!
Deletei miss these sharp-eyed beauties from my wisconsin days. :)
ReplyDeleteTheir eyes definitely get my attention, TexWis. Thanks for visiting.
DeleteWhat a smart bird. Fantastic.
ReplyDeleteThanks Adam!
DeleteAwesome series of photos on the Brown Thrasher. They are cool birds to see, especially the family .
ReplyDelete