Just Thrashin' Around

Brown Thrashers (Toxostoma rufum) are Rufous-brown on top, white with dark brown streaks underneath and are members of the Mockingbird family. They have yellow eyes, curved bills and long tails...very handsome birds, at least I think so! They are very secretive birds so you will usually hear them before you see them. They 'thrash' around in fallen leaves hunting for their favorite food...insects. This one and it's mate have been regular visitors to my tray feeder as of late. Apparently their second favorite food is...peanuts!

The Audubon Society reports that "In recent years they have become scarce in much of their range; no one knows why"! So I'm Honored that this pair has chosen to nest and raise their family in or at least near to my yard.