9-26-19 juvenile curve-billed thrasher, hatched this spring in sagebrush just below my backyard. Albuquerque, New Mexico.
A few months ago, while it was learning to forage in the leaves for insects, it would fly up onto the backyard fence, and I'd lean on the yard railing next to it.
Meanwhile, its dad sang softly to me from the railing on other side of me (for some reason, he kept courting me, even in front of his mate, who took little notice).
During nesting season, the adult male would fly to my bedroom sliding glass door each night and whistle the "wit-wit" thrasher version of "good-night," joined by his mate, calling from the nest in the sagebrush thicket.
I was expected to come to the door, nod at him, or do something to acknowledge his call.
If I ignored him, the thrasher would just call more loudly, and their whistles can be ear-splitting.
15
Enjoy being online again!
Welcome to the community of good people who base their values on evidence and appreciate civil discourse - the social network you will enjoy.Create your free account
9 comments
Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.aww what a sweetie. sometimes I get these guys passing through, but I have cats so they keep movin
Janiesuper
Level 6
Oct 16, 2019
1
That is absolutely delightful! It's always such a treat when wildlife invites us into their secret lives and interacts in predicable ways - thank you for sharing this story!
tinkercreek
Level 8
Oct 16, 2019
1
Lovely thrasher and description of behavior!
AnonySchmoose
Level 8
Oct 15, 2019
3
Demanding, aren’t they?
CS60
Level 7
Oct 15, 2019
3
In fact, half the male thrashers and greater roadrunners in the desert valley, the local Cooper's hawks, and a Chihuahua raven also decided I was a bird of their species, and brought me lizards, hunks of meat, grasshoppers, etc. to court me, or at least fatten me up, since I obviously couldn't fly to catch food for myself.
CS60:
@birdingnut Maybe I should try courting women with lizards, grasshoppers, and toads.
Seriously, I think it really awesome that they do this.. Are you doing something that makes them comfortable around you? Bird calls or something?
How wonderful they trust you and want you as a friend. Beautiful picture too!!!
Redheadedgammy
Level 9
Oct 15, 2019
5
Enjoy being online again!
Welcome to the community of good people who base their values on evidence and appreciate civil discourse - the social network you will enjoy.Create your free account
Share this post
Categories
Agnostic does not evaluate or guarantee the accuracy of any content. Read full disclaimer.