The Mocking-bird of the North, as the Brown Thrush has been called, arrives in the Eastern and Middle States about the 10th of May, at which season he may be seen, perched on the highest twig of a hedge, or on the topmost branch of a tree, singing his loud and welcome song, that may be heard a distance of half a mile. The favorite haunt of the Brown Thrush, however, is amongst the bright and glossy foliage of the evergreens. "There they delight to hide, although not so shy and retiring as the Blackbird; there they build their nests in greatest numbers, amongst the perennial foliage, and there they draw at nightfall to repose in warmth and safety." The Brown Thrasher sings chiefly just after sunrise and before sunset, but may be heard singing at intervals during the day. His food consists of wild fruits, such as blackberries and raspberries, snails, worms, slugs and grubs. He also obtains much of his food amongst the withered leaves and marshy places of the woods and shrubberies which he frequents. (http://www.birdnature.com/mar1897/thrush.html)
We have been fortunate to be able to follow the "birth" of four Brown Thrush babies in the snowball bush next to our driveway. I have taken many photos of the nest and eggs and the babies since they were born. Between the grandkids peeking at the nest and the fact that the nest is located at Lab/Golden mouth level - the parents have become very protective of the babies. This morning while snapping the latests photo of the babies one of the parents kept my attention while the second one attacked me from behind!! He/She pecked me on the back of the leg twice!
Enjoy the photos while I limp back to my desk!
These photos were taken between May 25 (eggs) and June 9, 2009.
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