A songbird in the same family as the mockingbird, the California Thrasher has an impressive repertoire of melodies. Not as boisterous or prevalent as the mockingbird, Toxostoma redivivum can be difficult to find. This species is only found in California and Baja California, they prefer chaparral habitat.
One spring Saturday we carved out time to search for a California Thrasher. We know a trail nearby where their melodious song can be heard every spring when they’re courting; and although we almost never see them, we can hear them. Shy birds and usually hidden in brush, they are known to be permanent residents in their territory.
They primarily eat insects and berries, and use that long, sickle-shaped bill to flip leaf litter around and dig in the soil. More info here.
That day we had a great hike and saw many birds, but the Thrasher never showed. Then the next day, as we sat on the deck relaxing, who shows up but the California Thrasher. In over ten years we had never seen or heard him on our property. But this particular day he stopped by, caught our attention, stayed perched while the binoculars came out, and then flew away.
If I didn’t know better, I might have taken this as a sign to never leave my chair.
Photo credit: Athena Alexander
Over ten years… And you captured the very special moment! Thank you for sharing the story, Jet!
Thank you, dear Amy, for your kind and cheerful comment. 🙂
That’s what I call luck:)
That was SO lucky! Thanks very much, Janet. 🙂
I’m glad it finally came to visit and was kind enough to pause for photos 🙂
Yes, me too. And he’s been back (or his cousin maybe) several times since. Very kind of you to follow the story, Andrea. Many thanks. 😀
Great shots and sighting!
Thanks so much, Cindy. 😀
Maybe he followed you home!
This made me smile, Jan — ya never know…. Thanks so much. 😀
Dealing with birds is “like getting a box of chocolates…” I’ve plenty of those! Thanks Jet! 🙂
They keep us on our toes, don’t they HJ? Thanks very much my friend. 😀
A wonderful moment to hear them sing perched on a tree top! S/he came to see you after you’d come to see her/him 🙂
I really like that interpretation, Tiny. Thanks so very much! 😀
I love that the Thrasher came to visit you after all those years of being on the look out for him! What a special capture. Kudos to Athena!
It was a great honor to receive that first visit — and he or she has been back a few times since. Each visit is a thrill. Thanks so very much, Sue. 😀
I luv it when the birds cooperate
It doesn’t always happen, does it, Bill? But when they show up, when you want them to, it’s a thrill. Thanks so much for your visit and comment today Bill. I hope you, too, are close to home. 🙂
You have to keep looking – even if you’re not finding! You just never know with nature. Great story!
That’s right, pc, you never know with nature. The fun part about nature is, something lovely is always nearby, even if it’s not the species you’re looking for. Thanks so much. 😀
Such a great story! I am happy you finally got to see it! What a great moment 🙂
We were so surprised! So very glad you enjoyed the story, and I appreciate your visit and comment. 😀
What a lovely treat to see and hear this songbird’s melody!! So glad to read this, Jet. 🙂
I am so glad you enjoyed the post, Iris. Their song is so beautiful, a lovely array of melodies, and each bird has its own repertoire. As always, I really appreciate your comment and visit Iris. 🙂
Jet, it is even more special when they visit your property! 🙂
Yes, it sure is! Thank you Iris. 🙂
Lovely story Jet. Sounds like he was looking for you! 🙂
I guess he knew he had easy admirers…. 😀 Thanks so much, Gill, for your comments and visits. 😀
I am looking up all your posts now. a quick glance through they look like a good read. Coffee in hand! ❤
Very honored. 😀 😀
thanks for the read…. lovely treat!
Oh, Jet. Don’t stay in your chair! You would leave hundreds of fans without your eyes, ears, and adventures! And Athena’s magnificent photos wouldn’t be the same without your incomparable wordsmithing accompaniment.
What a lovely compliment, dear Nan. I thank you very much. 😀 😀
What fun to have the Thrasher come to you! I’d say it’s a perfect example of the law of the attraction at work. I love it when such fun synchronicities happen. Great to see this lovely bird! :))
Definitely the law of attraction at work here, Jeannie; and I love these fabulous synchronicities too. Thanks so very much for the reminder my friend~~ 😀
I think they’ve been watching you all this time! 🙂 You just caught one doing so, finally!
Your comment made me smile, Resa — you might just be right! Thanks so much for the comment and visit today; and for making me smile. 😀
… and keep smiling!
While I doubt there’s a Thrasher in my neighborhood…. but who knows?… this does remind me that I haven’t heard any mockingbirds this year… I hope the drought has nothing to do with this… we usually have quote a raucous one who “sings” night and day at certain times during the year.
I’m 99% certain there’s not a thrasher in your nb-hood, because they prefer chaparral (but you’re right in that one never knows, could be a lost fella). But the mockingbirds should be around. I hope one presents it itself to you and fills your world with melodies, Roslyn. 😀 Thanks so much for commenting. 😀