Three days ago I had some more fun with Sage Thrashers on Antelope Island.
When this thrasher landed on the spindly perch it was unsteady by definition. And its tail was twisted sharply to the side by the twig behind the bird and that made things significantly worse.
To the point that the thrasher lost its balance and had to use its wing and change foot position to maintain stability.
So being no dummy and very aware of the relative position of its tail to the offending twig the bird lifted its tail over the twig…
And placed it on the other side. Ahhh, that’s definitely better!
But a few frames later it seemed that the thrasher just had to turn around on the perch and eyeball the twig that had given it so much trouble.
I don’t know why little things like this interest and amuse me so. But they do.
Happy 4th of July, everyone!
Ron
There is endless fascination in watching them isn’t there? Our cockatoos tend to turn around and rip off offending twigs/branches/things which have offended their dignity. And then shred the remains.
Thanks Ron. Avian obsession is a problem (not) that so many of us share, and you and Mia feed it beautifully.
I love the behaviors as well Ron. Happy 4th.
Thank you, Bryce. Hope you’re still having a great time with the birds (way) up north!
Hi Ron – I love your blog so much not just for the incredible photographs, though they are astonishing. But it’s the little glimpses into the lives of birds (and other critters), and your delight in them that makes it such a daily treat. Thank you so much.
I can tell from your comment that you’ve got me pegged, Betsy and that you (and others) like some of the same things I do. Thanks for the very nice comment!
I think those things amuse you because they are funny! It is just delightful to watch little episodes like that. Those behaviors help to define a bird’s personality for us, keep us hooked on watching them. Happy 4th to you and Mia!
Sometimes it’s the little things about behavior that delight me most, Susan.
Super Ron! Happy 4th to you as well!
Charlotte
Thank you, Charlotte – on both counts.
Ron, I love that upright tail and those posture, balance ‘righting reactions’ as I would call them. You’re motivating me to post my Pearly-eyed Thrasher images, which I had on hold because of busy backgrounds. I just can’t get myself to post any subject with busy backgrounds; but maybe with the Pearly-eyed I might make the exception.
I look forward to seeing more on your Pearly-eyed species on your blog, Maria.
A charming sequence. Thanks so much and Happy Fourth of July!
Thank you, Sharon.
Happy Fourth, Ron and Mia!
Thanks, Patty – from both of us.
if looks could kill, that’s one dead twig!