Brown Thrashers?

[Larry S]

Spotted this pair out on the front lawn today - are these Brown Thrashers?

http://www.fwas.org/picture.php?albumid=8&pictureid=271

[SusanT]

Looks like you do have two Brown Thrashers; they're a seldom seen resident in north central Texas; usually hiding in the leaf litter.

[Larry S]

Wow, that's what I thought - I seem to recall the difficulty of trying to get a glimpse of one of those guys hopping about in the underbrush on one of the Foster Park outings, and here they were just walking around out in the open. I was able to see them do a little hop-scratch thing a couple of times before they flew off into the shrubbery.

Well, I'll have to keep a close watch and see if they show up again like that - maybe I can get some better pictures.

Thanks very much for the verification.

[patrickf]

For the last few weeks I have had at least one Brown Trasher in and around my yard, often sitting on very visible perches. It's a treat to actually see them out in the open! I'm guessing the behavior is possibly because they are nesting nearby?

[Elaine]

What a nice treat in your own yard, Larry, and thanks for the photos!
When we first moved here in the 70s they nested in the yard and we saw them all the time. Loved their singing, too! They are very secretive around their nests; I would guess with this weather they may be out looking for water.

[Larry S]

I'll keep the birdbath filled and fresh! Judging from the way these two were hanging out together, I'm hopeful there is a nest somewhere nearby. It's also encouraging that they came back twice after I scared them off trying to get some better shots, but they're pretty skittish and quickly headed for the brush each time I appeared, no matter how sneaky I tried to be.