Thank you for the gift of curve-billed thrasher's magic on this gray and windy morning here in the dust-dry high desert of western Colorado's canyon country, Dave! What a beautifully-written and photographed reminder of how practicing our in-born terraphilia, our species' innate affiliation with this earth and all of the species that make the planet come alive, brings us such grace. Thanks also for the memories: my parents wrote the species account of curve-billed thrashers for Birds of North America, and my dad banded many of them in his research on urban birds where they lived in north Tucson. They are, indeed, amazing birds!
“This pair seemed well matched and so comfortable together. I got the sense that maybe they’d been together for years.” ( Kind of looks like my husband and I).
“Toxostoma curvirostre”
What a name! I can conjure all sorts of things on the whys and wherefores, on the day some scientist recorded that name. Thank you for working your way through the prickles, to bring back these gorgeous photographs.
To own the ‘foolish’ part of ourselves, I think that’s what makes us great explorers , who often find wonderous things. Never really contemplated the word until you just wrote it, but it seems to have a star next to it, a ‘highlight me’ word. I think, like you, being an explorer, and sometimes being foolish, well, you know, good things come our way.
Thank you for this magnificent story, David. It was a lovely treat for both my eyes and my soul. I am charmed each time I visit desert habitat such as you shared. It is so vastly different from our Pennsylvania flora and fauna and endlessly fascinating! On this first day of April, we are experiencing a cold wind so visiting the desert through your eyes is a special treat. Those thrashers are so handsome and your photography exquisite! Thanks for including us in your adventures.
Oh, this array of gilded colors under a desert sun, the landscape like walking into a story. Is that how it feels? How handsome and steadfast is curved-billed thrasher with his yellow eye. Thank you for bringing us your ever-exquisite photos and birding tales, this is simply wonderful. x
Such exquisitely spectacular photos (and text) take us right into the scene; I could almost feel the spare heat and hear the songs. Thank you for sharing.
beautiful! Thank you for introducing us to these — Thrashers? — Love Birds seems more appropriate, the way you describe them. On the other hand..., living in such a harsh environment, and a curved bill is all you've got, I guess you've got to become good at thrashing 💙🙏 🪶 Stunning photos!!
Magic is indeed everywhere, and especially in gardens of imagination. Gorgeous photography, David. Although, to the namer of the curve-billed thrasher, “what were you thinking!?”
When we lived in our camper while building our house one of the resident curve-billed thrashers would be singing early with the sunrise. I learned the song sufficiently to have back-and-forth songfests with it through the thin walls of the camper or out on the land. It was magical. We’ve since moved so it is wonderful to read your post this morning David…I miss their songs.
It does feel like magic, the way you share it here. Thanks, David, for the ways you give the wonder back to this tired old world.
Oh, Laura, thank you.
And thank you for making time to leave this student such an encouraging note.
That pic of the couple, one in focus, the other in the background…man that’s so good 😍
Thank you for the gift of curve-billed thrasher's magic on this gray and windy morning here in the dust-dry high desert of western Colorado's canyon country, Dave! What a beautifully-written and photographed reminder of how practicing our in-born terraphilia, our species' innate affiliation with this earth and all of the species that make the planet come alive, brings us such grace. Thanks also for the memories: my parents wrote the species account of curve-billed thrashers for Birds of North America, and my dad banded many of them in his research on urban birds where they lived in north Tucson. They are, indeed, amazing birds!
Ohh my. This little intersection is pure gold! What a sweet gift, Susan to be offered this glimpse. You’ve made my morning. Thank you.
“This pair seemed well matched and so comfortable together. I got the sense that maybe they’d been together for years.” ( Kind of looks like my husband and I).
“Toxostoma curvirostre”
What a name! I can conjure all sorts of things on the whys and wherefores, on the day some scientist recorded that name. Thank you for working your way through the prickles, to bring back these gorgeous photographs.
You're most welcome, my friend. Of course, I live for such foolishness.
“Of course, I live for such foolishness.”
To own the ‘foolish’ part of ourselves, I think that’s what makes us great explorers , who often find wonderous things. Never really contemplated the word until you just wrote it, but it seems to have a star next to it, a ‘highlight me’ word. I think, like you, being an explorer, and sometimes being foolish, well, you know, good things come our way.
Thank you for this magnificent story, David. It was a lovely treat for both my eyes and my soul. I am charmed each time I visit desert habitat such as you shared. It is so vastly different from our Pennsylvania flora and fauna and endlessly fascinating! On this first day of April, we are experiencing a cold wind so visiting the desert through your eyes is a special treat. Those thrashers are so handsome and your photography exquisite! Thanks for including us in your adventures.
Oh, this array of gilded colors under a desert sun, the landscape like walking into a story. Is that how it feels? How handsome and steadfast is curved-billed thrasher with his yellow eye. Thank you for bringing us your ever-exquisite photos and birding tales, this is simply wonderful. x
Not flashy but very cool! Love that they mate for life.
Me too, Jano. Thanks for making time to leave a note.
Such exquisitely spectacular photos (and text) take us right into the scene; I could almost feel the spare heat and hear the songs. Thank you for sharing.
beautiful! Thank you for introducing us to these — Thrashers? — Love Birds seems more appropriate, the way you describe them. On the other hand..., living in such a harsh environment, and a curved bill is all you've got, I guess you've got to become good at thrashing 💙🙏 🪶 Stunning photos!!
Magic is indeed everywhere, and especially in gardens of imagination. Gorgeous photography, David. Although, to the namer of the curve-billed thrasher, “what were you thinking!?”
"Magic. It’s absolutely everywhere …if you’re looking. If you’re willing to say yes."
I love this...and know it to be true.💙
When we lived in our camper while building our house one of the resident curve-billed thrashers would be singing early with the sunrise. I learned the song sufficiently to have back-and-forth songfests with it through the thin walls of the camper or out on the land. It was magical. We’ve since moved so it is wonderful to read your post this morning David…I miss their songs.
À joyful bit of magic for my morning. The unvoiced reciprocity of a long time affectionate relationship. I love: “Don’t mess with my Queen” 👸🏻
Observing quietly and capturing the story - you do it so well, David. 🙏
Beautiful. Such an antidote to the cruel chaos we are living with. And do we ever need these antidotes. Thank you David.
Such attentiveness given to these birds. Gorgeous.
Their feet must be some tough to be on those cacti! It warms me to know of their faithfulness and devotion to each other.