First of the Year Sage Thrasher on Antelope Island – Nikon D810, f8, 1/1600, ISO 400, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I was absolutely delighted to spot a pair of Sage Thrashers on Antelope Island yesterday because I have been anxiously awaiting their arrival since they left last fall. I almost missed them but the shape of the bird said “Sage Thrasher” and I turned around and went back to the birds. It was then that I could hear the one that was furthest away singing. This Sage Thrasher was perched on a tintic quartzite boulder high above the Great Salt Lake and the mudflats of the drying lake bed.
I looked it up and the earliest I had seen Sage Thrasher on Antelope Island was the 18th of March so my sighting beats my personal record by 5 days!
Preening Sage Thrasher – Nikon D810, f8, 1/1250, ISO 400, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
While I wish the boulder had been closer I enjoyed observing this thrasher preen and fluff on a warm spring morning. I loved this fun pose and had to share it.
I thought (hoped) I would hear a Long-billed Curlew yesterday because they too should be arriving soon but instead I had a Sage Thrasher surprise.
Life is good!
Mia
Click here to see more of my Sage Thrasher photos plus facts and information about this species.
Beautiful photos, Mia! I can’t wait for the Gray Catbirds to return.
Seeing these guys always makes me smile. They seem to have big personalities.
A cheeky (and musical) charmer.
So cute!
These birds have attitude! I love them because they are so lively and sassy looking…
Mia, I would so love to see this bird! Nice shot!
Very nice Mia! I was down by Sevier Lake this past week and saw a good number of them. Also saw first-of-year Vesper Sparrow too so things are on the move!!!
That is awesome Neil! I love spring migration. I can’t wait to hear the curlews, their calls really touch me.
I’m glad the Sage Thrashers came back for you. Love the background and the pose.
Thanks Dave! I love to hear them. It won’t be long and the Mockingbirds will be back too