Male Sage Thrashers sometimes perform this display all day long but it’s sporadic, almost impossible to predict and they’re shy about doing it so it took me several mating seasons to successfully photograph the behavior.
1/2500, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
The overall behavior occurs when males are establishing territory and trying to attract females. It begins when they fly in undulating circles, figure eights or ellipses, low over sagebrush before landing in it.
Then the actual bilateral wing display begins. During the process they raise one or both wings and flutter them for several seconds while singing almost continually. This one on Antelope Island several years ago had his back to me for much of the display but here I caught him looking back at me with his left wing lowered so we can see his face. I like both the behavior and the singing pose in this light.
Before Europeans arrived much of the west was covered with vast expanses of sagebrush so in most areas early settlers would rarely be out of earshot of Sage Thrashers but today their lovely and complex song has largely been replaced by the annoying sounds of irrigation sprinklers watering crops like alfalfa, potatoes and grain. When I’m hearing Sage Thrashers I often think of my great-great-grandfather Oliver Hunt Dudley and his family (including five children) who crossed the plains to Utah Territory as Mormon pioneers in 1851. They were almost surely very familiar with singing and displaying Sage Thrashers.
Over the years I’ve only rarely been able to photograph this courtship display well but this shot was taken on March 19 so the thrashers should be returning to our area very soon. This year I’m hoping to photograph more of the complex behavior, including their looping flight circles over sagebrush if I’m lucky.
And very persistent.
Ron
Awesome picture! Love the way everything coordinates and brings out the color of everything else – the wings are so well detailed as well as the sage and gorgeous eye! I am also fascinated by the 16 year old daughter that dove the wagon west! What a woman! This picture is so well put together. Just wonderful!
Thanks very much, Beth Ann. Her name was Mary Ann Dudley and she must have really been something.
Such a handsome bird. Shouldn’t have been too long before he attracted a nest mate, especially after listening to a recording of his song.
I can’t imagine the resourcefulness it took to travel back then with five kids. The only thing that wouldn’t have been an ordeal was finding a restroom off the interstate.
Lyle, both Oliver and his wife were terribly sick with mountain fever for most of the trip so they had to ride in the back while their 16 year old daughter drove the wagon. It was truly an ordeal.
And you’re right about the restrooms – look on the bright side I guess…
That’s what I would do…if I had wings! Beautiful shot…live the sage(?) Rabbitbrush(?) And composition…very pleasing image…
Thank you, Patty. It’s sage.
This winter I have awakened to the most beautiful bird song which surprised me when I saw that it was a Curve-billed Thrasher, 2 actually! The song was so melodious and clear and could be heard over the cackle of the Gambels Quail. Lucky me!
I’ll bet the song of the Curve bill is similar to that of the Sage Thrasher, Pat. Don’t know that for sure though…
Definitely echo the previous sentiments about this shot — very cool! I also noticed the gorgeous eye color that just about matches the spent flowers.
We’re in for another soggy week. Love that we’re getting rain and would still like it spread out a little more so we can dry out a bit. Guess beggars can’t be choosers. ☔️😃 Hopefully, you’ll be getting a good snowpack in UT this year and that can help feed the GSL. Still on my bucket list to get up there to see it (and you and Mia, of course!) 😄
I love their eye color too, Marty.
Things are looking good for moisture this year. Snowpack in the mountains is high and the Bear River Valley is beginning to flood a little already. I hope it doesn’t stay cold for a long time and then heat up almost overnight – that would cause huge flooding problems in late May.
Very beautiful bird and photograph – such exquisite light! What fun! I get to sit here this morning on a snowy day, drink a cup of coffee and catch up on all your latest blogs! Thank you very much.
I hope you aren’t disappointed, Joanne.
Very pretty bird, and like the contrasting colors of the sage with the dead stuff. Beautiful with the wings extended like that and the open beak and great catch eye light etc. All in all a very nice photo.
Everett Sanborn, Prescott AZ
Glad you like it, Everett. Thanks.
A really pretty picture and a fascinating lesson on behaviour…PROFESSOR! Grinning and running!
Thank you, Arwen.
That is a lovely photo for me…for several reasons. I really like the wing display and the way the paleness at the feather tips accentuates the groupings. The monotone color scheme interrupted by the soft green leaves of sage is so easy on the eyes. What was the background that gave the slight layering look to the top? Yes overall it is a lovely photo…another bird I’ve never seen. Oh …also like the way the right foot has grasped a cluster of stems.
Thanks, Kathy. Most of the browns in the background are just dead vegetation from last year – it was still very early in the spring. There’s a tiny hint of green behind the bird from emerging sagebrush leaves.
The detail of the feathers on this VERY plain bird is beautiful, Ron……… 🙂 I’m guessing they blend in very well and would be a focusing challenge at times. Always interesting what the camera auto focus has trouble with. 😉 Waxwings in an ornamental crab gave me grief that way recently! -18 with a -42 wind chill this morning – it’s getting REAL old….. 🙁
Yes, focusing can be a challenge and so can just seeing them.
Brrrr. We actually have a chance for a little light today – it’s been a while.
I can forgive a lot with sunshine which we had yesterday, BUT!………. 😉