Varied Thrush

I can't believe how "blue" the Thrush are - they're supposed to be slate gray! Isn't this guy a beauty, though?

Murmur,

Wow! Beautiful bird! Beautiful photo!

We don't get them here (bummer, lol). Thank you for sharing! Are they the size of a Robin?

Nice photo, Murmur. This is the first time I have actually seen a photo of the 'Varied Thrush". Do you see them quite often ?

Wow! Nice pic of a cool bird!

Ok, what's the chicken wire in the fence for? *lol*

Beautiful! Would love to have one of those come visit my feeders!

Susie

Thanks for the nice words!

The Varied Thrush is indeed about the size of a Robin (and they are in the same family - the Thrush family). They seem to disappear in the Summer, but are really around a lot during Fall and Winter. They've been at the suet feeder more than usual (they are ground feeders). Not sure what kind of suet I have in there, but they sure like it!

oh my what a beautiful bird. Have never seen one

I know i haven't seen a bird like yours Murmur! What a great catch.
Judy

Magpied, you are sooooo observant!! I forgot to respond to your comment about the chicken wire - it is there in hopes of discouraging cats (including my own three, two of whom are outside a bit) from sitting under the feeders just waiting for a chance! Happily, it seems to work and they rarely get one.

Glad everyone enjoyed the Thrush - I appreciate all the nice comments.

I've never seen one before!! Absolutely beautiful! You guys have all these wonderful plants we can't grow - and now birds, too! (pout)

I've never seen a photo of the Varied Thrush before. Thanks for sharing!

Edited for grammer

This message was edited Jan 15, 2007 9:25 PM

Love the bright colors of the VT! How fortunate you are to have them.

Got a couple more good shots today -

And this one - isn't that the funniest expression?

Beautiful bird! Thanks for sharing Murmur!

Interestingly enough - in these photos they look more like that 'slate gray' that the books describe, but in real life, they look very blue!

Murmur,

Do have those birds year round? If you do, I would love to see a photo of their babies. Bet they're beautiful also!

Yes, it is a funny and cute look!

Oooh too cute Murmur! Great shots! :)

Thanks!

They seem to be around during the Fall and Winter, but not during breeding season (I believe they go to dense forest areas then).

Blue in birds is caused by sunlight and the way it refracts from the feathers. The feathers aren't blue, the sunlight makes them look blue. So that's why you're seeing a difference. Some more really wonderful pics, murmur. Is this a normal "birdfeeder" bird for your area?

This is the first time I've seen them at the feeders, Ceejay - most years they are strictly on the ground. They don't do too well trying to perch or cling, but they keep trying!

Great pics Murmur!!! Its so nice seeing all these birds we don't have on the East.

Probably because of your weather this year...they must be really hungry.

Ceejay, I'm sure you are right - and I'm loving every minute of it!! I went to Ace today and got 200 lbs. (10 20lb bags) of bird seed and 24 cakes of suet. I still have probably 50 cakes still in the fridge in the garage so I should be able to keep them all happy for a little while anyway! I put two bananas out in the fly through feeder the other day and they were gone in a flash!! I don't know who was the fruit eater, but wow!!

wow really great shots. It is a beautiful bird