A Card-Carrying Member
I was telling Greg about my wonderful gift from my sister of a membership in the ABA. He said that the birds would all respect me now and stop flying away when I get my camera out. I laughed and said that I thought it might be true. And, this guy is the reason . . .
Well, this guy and his 7 friends. Here’s the deal. On Saturday, there was a Varied Thrush in and around my feeders. Very cool since it was a ProjectFeederWatch count day but I also wanted to get a picture of it. But no, it seemed to sense when I’d pick my camera up and it would run and hide. Aggravating to say the least.
But, on Saturday, I got my brand-spankin’ new membership card in the mail and thus earned my card-carrying status. Last night, I came out into my driveway and there were no less than 8 Varied Thrushes across the street. Happy as little clams, not hiding from me, not avoiding me, posing for me. I got a bunch of good shots.
So, I think it’s going to make a difference. Clearly the birds respect it!
(Either that or they are just toying with me, letting me drop my guard before they really give me a big ol’ nyeh-nyeh the next time I have my camera out! 
)
mother. wife. friend. teacher. writer. reader. photographer. birder. quilter. blogger.
How awesome was that getting the Varied Thrush!! Congrats on getting your ABA card!
I NEED A CARD LIKE THAT! May your success continue
)
I think the Varied Thrush is such a beautiful bird. No matter how many times I see them, I always run for the camera. Nic pic. That membership card really works!
What a wonderful shot Liza! Hmmm… maybe I should join too and hold my membership card in one hand while the other one is on the camera… “I come in respect and peace… please be still for me? I am a card-carrying member you guys!”
Years ago, my parents found this young guy traveling the country on his bicycle. Turned out that he was actually traveling the world. He was Swiss and was traveling before he settled down to work at the Banque. He traveled all over the world on his bicycle — he felt safe because he had a Swiss passport. We always joked that he’d just wave it around and the bad guys would and shout, “Swiss passport!” And, all the bad guys would leave him alone.
Maybe the ABA card is like that!
It could be their ad slogan. “Join the ABA. Birds respect us.”
Oh, and I’m pretty sure that Jacques survived the trip around the world!
Hey – whatever works!
Are they as common as American Robins here? Gosh you’re lucky – so beautiful!
Varied thrushes wandering through your yard. You stinker.
They are here in the winter and we had a ton more than in years past. I gather that from the chatter on our local birding list where the term “irruption” was mentioned.
Last year, I saw a couple here and a few near the school. This year, they were everywhere. Literally flying off the road in droves as I’d drive to school. They are very beautiful and very shy birds! I have an affinity for them because I identified one last year right after I got my Sibley book. (The fact that they are the cover bird MIGHT have helped my astute iding skills.) But, then one hit our front windows (I assume) and we found it dead. Such a beautiful bird and it was so sad to see it gone that way. So, I am always glad to see them around.
I’m so glad that the membership came with a card that the birds respect. I can’t wait to see all the fabulous pics that will undoubtedly be the result.
My registration is in the mail. I could use a little bird respect!