The Brown Thrashers are building a nest in my backyard. It’s in the viburnum hedge right behind my bird blind. I actually spotted the nest while doing yardwork, then on my next backyard photography expedition, I started to notice the sticks being taken into the hedge.
![Brown Thrasher](https://i0.wp.com/www.blog.catandturtle.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Brown-Thrasher_Backyard_202303051_copyrightJessYarnell-6.jpg?resize=800%2C534&ssl=1)
To give the birds some space, I stopped using the blind and set up my camera in other spots in the backyard. Still the birds seem quite trusting of the crazy camera lady. They come within a few feet of me in search of the perfect branch. In fact, they have a bit of a Goldilocks complex when it comes to selecting the perfect stick.
This leaf is too small.
![Brown Thrasher](https://i0.wp.com/www.blog.catandturtle.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Brown-Thrasher_Backyard_202303051_copyrightJessYarnell-2.jpg?resize=800%2C534&ssl=1)
This clump of leaves is too big.
![Brown Thrasher](https://i0.wp.com/www.blog.catandturtle.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Brown-Thrasher_Backyard_202303051_copyrightJessYarnell-3.jpg?resize=800%2C534&ssl=1)
This one is too scratchy.
![Brown Thrasher](https://i0.wp.com/www.blog.catandturtle.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Brown-Thrasher_Backyard_202303051_copyrightJessYarnell-4.jpg?resize=800%2C534&ssl=1)
This stick is just right!
![Brown Thrasher](https://i0.wp.com/www.blog.catandturtle.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Brown-Thrasher_Backyard_202303051_copyrightJessYarnell-5.jpg?resize=800%2C534&ssl=1)
When I trimmed my crape myrtle trees, I broke off some branches and left them out in the vicinity of the nest. The next morning I saw the twigs being transported into the hedge. It’s nice when my offerings are appreciated! I will look forward to watching this family grow. :)
![Brown Thrasher](https://i0.wp.com/www.blog.catandturtle.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Brown-Thrasher_Backyard_202303051_copyrightJessYarnell-7.jpg?resize=800%2C534&ssl=1)
2 thoughts on “Brown Thrasher Nest-Building (Goldilocks Style)”
Lucky you! The Brown Thrasher is one of my favorites. Most folks think they are hearing a Northern Mockingbird when they actually may be hearing Mr. Thrasher.
Wonderful photographs!
Yes, it took me a while with having both mockingbirds and thrashers in the yard to reliably distinguish their songs. I think I prefer the thrasher song (ssh! Don’t tell Mr. Mock)
The nest construction completed and now it seems unused. I think Mr. Catbird was a little too territorial. Rude!
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