As this Hermit Thrush foraged in Lake Park, Milwaukee,
Wisconsin, he kept a safe distance from me at all times. If I took a step forward, so would
he. If I took two steps, he would
take the equivalent in bird steps.
He was maintaining a comfort zone and I was on the edge of it.
When I tried to cheat the difference, he flew to the other
side of the ravine. Lucky
for him, he found a wasp over there to eat. He never took an eye off of me
though.
The Hermit Thrush is a ground feeder…gleaning insects
and berries from the understory vegetation. It’s interesting how a spotted breast helps camouflage
him from his prey. Maybe spots mimic his sun-dappled surroundings. He evolved
into this pattern for a reason…maybe spots just work for him?
He would disappear in and out of the brush
occasionally…always alert to the dangers of being a bird in a tight spot. I’ve
photographed a Merlin in this ravine. A Merlin could take a thrush in a heartbeat.
What prompted him to leave when he did…I don’t know. He did find one wasp. Maybe that was enough for now.
I could have made him nervous, too…I just hope not.
I could have made him nervous, too…I just hope not.
Allan
Note: Thanks to John O'Donnell for clarification on this thrush.
Note: Thanks to John O'Donnell for clarification on this thrush.
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