One of the species whose return I most anticipate in the springtime is the Sage Thrasher. These images are from last summer because I’ve yet to see one this year.
1/4000, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM, not baited, set up or called in
As suggested by their name, Sage Thrashers are sagebrush obligates so they’re one of the species threatened by the drastic decline in sagebrush steppe habitat. Their numbers have been dramatically reduced and local populations completely eliminated where there has been widespread conversion of sagebrush rangeland.
I get a kick out of their antics. Photographing their exaggerated, undulating courtship flight is one of my goals and they often assume amusing poses, as in this image.
1/2500, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM, not baited, set up or called in
They have a long, melodious song of great variety (their original common name was Mountain Mockingbird) and they may sing those soft but complex notes continuously for between 8 and an amazing 22 minutes which can give the photographer plenty of time to catch them in a singing pose.
1/4000, f/6.3, ISO 640, Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM, not baited, set up or called in
This is the last Sage Thrasher photograph I took last summer (7/31/14). To me the take-off pose with the bird leaving is somewhat symbolic of the almost 9 months its been since I’ve photographed one of these birds. I usually start seeing them again on Antelope Island about the first of April so my extended wait for them should be just about over.
I look forward to the reunion.
Ron
Personality on the wing! How sad that such an expressive creature should face being threatened in numbers by such thoughtless, shortsighted, highly destructive practices as chaining…so ranchers can make more money by raising more beef so we can have more heart attacks….
I like the way you put that, Patty.
Wow! What fantastic shots Ron! Thanks so much for sharing!
Charlotte
Thank you, Charlotte.
I can see exactly why you are longing for the return of this cheeky charmer.
I hope they don’t keep you waiting for much longer.
They didn’t, EC. More on that later…
Love this little bird. They physically resemble the mockingbird so I wonder if there is any history between the species. 😀
I’m not sure how closely they’re related genetically, Arwen but BNA refers to the two species as “near relatives”. And yes, they sure do resemble mockingbirds – both physically and in their mimicking habits.
They are both in the family Mimidae, so they are definitely related. The Mockingbird is the only one that’s a really great mimic, although I once encountered a Catbird that made me look for a cat nearby, even though it was in a swamp…
Thanks, Susan! Catbirds. UGH. I’ve been “here kitty kitty” only to have the cat I was looking for appear INSIDE the window as I carefully search outside. 😀
Definitely appears to be a bird with a big personality. Hope you get to see them soon.
Guess what I photographed this morning, Susan…
😀
Magnificent and a joy to see!! As always, may I express my appreciation for your camera’s setting stats.
I’m glad you appreciate the camera techs, Lois- that’s nice to know because it takes extra effort to include them and it’s nice to know that it’s not wasted time. Thank you.
Ron:
Thank you for your website and daily posts. They are greatly appreciated.
My wife, Joan, and I have been bird photographers (serious hobby) for fifteen years, limited only by rheumatoid arthritis. We give shows for fun and charity, wanting to share the beauty of God in Nature – as you do so incredibly well. So we really appreciate the skill, knowledge and effort going into your beautiful photographs.
Thank you for sharing!
Richard, sounds like you’re addicted, as I am. Thanks very much for the kind words.