The Clever Thrush Clocks More Feeder Time

The opportunity presented itself today for a little quality time viewing of the main feeder station, and I was doubly fortunate. First, for a little time. Second, to watch the engaging behavior of our clever Hermit Thrush. The bird has quite a routine: parking itself on a railing, hurling itself at a suet basket if the coast is clear, and more often than not returning with a tasty bit. If the coast isn't clear---that is, if a Downy Woodpecker, say, is in the way, no problem! the Thrush swoops down and collects suet fragments the other bird knocks down. It must pay off for Hermie: the bird seems to be at its post almost everytime I look out there. Not too bad for a bird I was surprised to see two Januarys ago. Should be a fun month!