Mild-mannered or menacing? That is the question!

When you look at a Brown Thrasher, which happens to be the state bird here in Georgia, they definitely have a rather menacing appearance – with their golden, glowering eye and their sharp, sizable beak.

And to be honest, they can be rather aggressive birds, especially when they are protecting their nesting territory.

But the pair that has been showing up in my backyard lately has been nothing but mild-mannered, even downright shy.
They have typically hurried and scurried about on the ground, doing their best to stay tucked away beneath the covering of the bushes around the feeders. I’m wondering if they are starting to get a little bit used to me though, because this one hopped up on the branch for a bite of Bark Butter.

And its mate braved getting in the fountain for a rather lengthy bath – first sitting and splashing rather timidly…

…and then turning around and going to town!

I think their rich colors are absolutely stunning. And whether they are showing up for a bite, a beverage, or a refreshing bath, they are always welcome in my backyard!