Feathers and Fuzz

one woman's cure for the empty-nester blues

All the Others

Thrasher Wields a Mighty Hammer

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The Brown Thrasher is Georgia's state bird. I suspect he got his "Thrasher" name from the way he forages for food on the ground ... using his large bill to swipe away any debris and get to soil. I always know when he's been around as there is debris EVERYWHERE! He is pictured here in the birdbath -- something I'm certain he needs regularly!

 

Brown Thrasher Getting Down in the Birdbath
Brown Thrasher Getting Those Ears Clean

 

Now that you've met the Thrasher, let's get to the topic of the post.  He shows up at the bird feeder "tray" quite often ... and I'm here to tell you ... the Thrasher Wields a Mighty Hammer!  One of my favorite parts of the video is when he runs out of peanuts, turns around to get another ... and then turns around again to put it in the correct smashing spot.

White-Breasted Nuthatch Exhibits Napoleon Complex

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The White-Breasted Nuthatch is little in size (about half the size of a Northern Cardinal), but he’s plenty big on attitude!  We call him Dracula around here because of his markings, but one could certainly say this is a Dracula with a Napoleon Complex.  He’s a feisty little guy.  When he is ready to eat, he does NOT appreciate sharing the feeders.  He works very hard at trying to make himself look like a BIG BAD DUDE while rocking from side-to-side.  When no one flees, he tries again.  I’m so sorry Mr. Nuthatch … I’ve never seen a single other bird even turn to look at your display, let alone flee from your viciousness.  Would you feel better if I told you that you have the cutest dance in town?  No … probably not.

As you will see in future posts:  the Nuthatch loves to eat upside-down, waddles as he moves up/down a tree, loves peanuts and black oil seed, and tucks his food away in trees for future consumption.