1/15/2012

Curve-billed Thrashers in Arizona

Before we even left the parking lot at the Arizona-Sonora Museum, we saw yet another new bird; the Curve-billed Thrasher.  We would end up seeing quite a few of these odd looking birds before we left for home, but the first one was really a thrill since I had always wanted to see one.

My husband, Tom, captured this guy about 10 miles east of Tucson, but you can find Curved-billed Thrashers throughout the Sonora Desert region.  Interestingly, these thrashers are related to our Northern Mockingbirds - and I can see a definite familial resemblance!

This Curved-billed Thrasher was right in a city park in Tuscon.  Pretty much wherever you find cholla cacti (including landscaped areas of the city) you will find a Curved-billed Thrasher or two.

As you can see, they are not a bit shy, and they have made themselves right at home among human populations.

6 comments:

  1. Very cool! See many brown thrashers in SE Ohio where I attend school. I am from Framingham, MA as well. Small world!

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  2. Congrats on a life bird, Susan! Beautiful images! I have yet to see one - guess I need to do some traveling.

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    1. Thanks, Hilke! I'm trying hard to remember all that is left to see right here at home, lest I long to hit the road yet again. If only it weren't so expensive . . .

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  3. I think it's very cool that you're a birder at such a young age, Mike! You'll have to contact me next time you're home and we'll go to Callahan State Park or something. Good luck at school!

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  4. Love these images! I found my Thrasher (see blog) at a Circle K parking lot in Tucson:)

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    1. Oh, Cynthia - he's gorgeous! It was my first visit to Tucson, and I was absolutely enchanted! They have the most incredible birds!

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