"Brown Thrasher"

A Brown Thrasher at my bird feeder

I have been fascinated with the Brown Trasher ever since I visited the Biltmore Estates in Asheveille, NC in May of 2011.  I had never seen one before and was quite struck by its direct yellow gaze.  I am sure I've had them in my back woodlot since we moved to NC over five years ago, but have never noticed them.  They like to spend their time on the forest floor looking for bugs and such - much like the Blue Jay.

Brown Thrasher perched at Biltmore Estates, Asheville, NC 2011
Photo by Margaret Bednar

They are classified as a song bird and I am looking foreword to hearing (or identifying as I probably have already heard it while out in my backyard) their song which is quite varied and often mimics other birds.    HERE is a link if you would like to hear a few examples.


A Courtship, of Sorts

I enjoy sparrows, towhees,
titmice, finches, and wrens.

Of course, cardinal's red
and Jay's blue do impress;

yet wait for cinnamon garbed bird
to fly in low and land;

flash yellow eyes,
bare speckled breast.

Watch woodland's edge;
rewarded at last

as curved bill and slim, long tail feathers
grace suet dish.

Lured, but silent; anticipate a morning
he'll serenade with elaborate song.

Margaret Bednar, February 11, 2015