I went birding today — well animal-ing, for I also saw an otter. While I photographed many species of birds, it wasn’t until I returned to the comfort of my home that I managed a good shot, and that was taken — gulp — looking through a window.
The Varied Thrush is a skittish bird. While it is related to the robin, it lacks the robin’s sangfroid and will bolt at the slightest perceived threat, which it interprets as the sight of anything at all. Consequently, the best pictures of it I have ever managed have been taken using my home or car as a blind.
The Varied Thrush, a striking bird in black and orange, is a contrast to our monochromatic winter.
Alistair, I enjoy your blog from Victoria, and only yesterday I was watching these birds and wondering what they were. Not common in my yard until this year. My bird book was a pretty good match so I was pretty sure I had the right name, but it was great to have it confirmed.
Thank you for his . We had a couple in our Rowan tree the morning of 27th……a first Nelson sighting .
Glad to know at least one Varied Thrush has opted to pass the winter so near, relatively speaking, to our own birdfeeder here in the Clearwater Valley – and yet so far!
All best wishes, Alistair, for the coming Year – belated but nonetheless sincere.