Protecting the Brood.

After the day's chores were completed, Ms. Ez, the dog, and I headed out to explore the wonders of the day!  We have walked this hillside thousands upon thousands of times but each hike brings something new to our attention.  The newness and the wonders of nature never cease to astound me.  At times, I stand silently in wonder at some small creature or plant thinking of how had I missed that on a previous walk.  Ms. Ez is always on the hunt for a new scent or sight.  She is loyal to a fault and will stay by my side at all times even though the temptation of a romp after a squirrel tugs at her brain!  Occasionally, I give in to her whims and tell her to have her fun.  Then she is off on a lark, romping to her heart's content.

Today's wonderment happened while we were near the marsh's edge.  A low lying scarlet wisteria bush set the scene for an adventure!  I stepped softly..my moccasins hardly making a sound on the damp leaves.  Still, I managed to upset one bird to no end.  An adult Brown Thrasher let out a shrill scream that set off the bird alarm system on the entire hillside. The raucous Blue Jays soon took up the cause making the Bayou echo with their calls.  Uh oh...I must have stepped a bit too close to somebody's nest!  I stopped in my tracks and hand-signaled for Ms. Ez to do the same.  She immediately sat.

Sure enough just about head high in the bush, there was a nest.  By this time, Mama Thrasher was screaming bloody murder and Daddy Thrasher heard the call. I was nearly pelted in the head by his warning attack!  My goodness!  I would never harm your little ones!  Since I was already within inches of the nest, a few pictures would not hurt!  Even with the avian population of the entire area in an uproar when I snapped the first picture, the mouths of the little ones flew open!  The bright yellow lining of their throats could be easily seen. This bright yellow acts as a target for Mama and Daddy Thrasher.  This yellow can change from pale to dark orange and some ornithologists claim that this is a signal of the level of need for sustenance. If the parent bird sees dark orange then that baby is fed first.  So if this is true, the pale yellow means the baby has recently been fed.  Makes sense to me!  These little rascals were ready for whatever Mama or Daddy had!  They were quite feisty for being so small.  The competition for food had begun already even though the little ones' eyes were not even open!

After a couple of pictures, I noticed that both parent birds had settled down on a limb a few feet from me and were watching me with curiosity.  I suppose they wondered just why this huge monster was looking but not eating their young.  I thought of Mama Dove and how she has come to trust me.  Perhaps in time the Thrashers will, too, but not just yet.  They were curious yet cautious..ready to dive-bomb my head if necessary!   I eased back to let them have their peace.  Both parent birds slipped in to inspect their nest...all was safe.  Gee..I love wildlife!