I had been watching this Brown Thrasher work my yard for several weeks. It was busy catching insects, but this time it gave me the photo I had been waiting for.
Brown Thrasher With Beetle in My Yard
This Brown Thrasher had a large beetle in its bill when I photographed it. The bird stood low in the grass, with its bright yellow eye, brown back, long tail, and heavily streaked breast showing well.
After it caught the beetle, it flew to the back of my yard. From there, it went into my neighbor’s yard and fed the beetle to a Brown Thrasher fledgling.
The young bird was on the ground where I could not get a clear photo. I saw this feeding activity throughout the day, but I never got an open look at the fledgling being fed.
These Brown Thrashers were nesting in my neighbor’s yard in a small thicket. I see them here every year. They do not seem to enjoy being close to houses, so I feel lucky when they spend time in my yard.
Photographing the Thrasher Before It Flew Off
I photographed this Brown Thrasher on May 10, 2017, at 8:49 A.M. I was handholding my camera, so I had to be ready when the bird paused with the beetle.
I did not have much time. Once the thrasher had the beetle secure, it moved toward the back of the yard and disappeared into thicker cover.
Camera and settings:
- Camera: Canon EOS 7D Mark II
- Lens: Canon 100-400 mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM
- Mode: AV Mode
- Aperture: f/6.3
- ISO: 800
- Shutter speed: 1/400 sec.
- Focal length: 400 mm
Why This Backyard Bird Encounter Stayed With Me
This was more than a simple feeding photo. It showed part of the work that was going on around the nest.
The fledgling stayed hidden, but the adult kept hunting and carrying food. I could see the story, even when I could not photograph every part of it.
That is one reason I enjoy watching wildlife close to home. A quiet yard can still hold a lot of wild behavior.