The brown thrasher is a bird in the family Mimidae, which also includes the New World catbirds and mockingbirds. The brown thrasher is abundant throughout the eastern and central United States and southern and central Canada, and it is the only thrasher to live primarily east of the Rockies and central Texas. It is the state bird of Georgia.
As a member of the genus Toxostoma, the bird is relatively large-sized among the other thrashers. It has brown upper parts with a white under part with dark streaks. Because of this, it is often confused with the smaller wood thrush (Hylocichla mustelina), among other species. The brown thrasher is noted for having over 1000 song types, and the largest song repertoire of birds. However, each note is usually repeated in two or three phrases.
The brown thrasher is an omnivore, with its diet ranging from insects to fruits and nuts. The usual nesting areas are shrubs, small trees, or at times on ground level. Brown thrashers are generally inconspicuous but territorial birds, especially when defending their nests, and will attack species as large as humans.
Disease and exposure to cold weather are among contributing factors for the limits of the lifespan. However, the longest lived thrasher in the wild is 12 years, and relatively the same for ones in captivity.
The brown thrasher resides in various habitats. It prefers to live in woodland edges, thickets and dense brush, often searching for food in dry leaves on the ground. It can also inhabit areas that are agricultural and near suburban areas, but is less likely to live near housing than other bird species. The brown thrasher often vies for habitat and potential nesting grounds with other birds, which is usually initiated by the males.
The brown thrasher is a strong, but partial migrant, as the bird is a year-round resident in the southern portion of its range. The breeding range includes the United States and Canada east of the Rocky Mountains, but has been occasionally spotted West of the Rockies.
The male brown thrasher may have the largest song repertoire of any North American bird, which has been documented as at least over 1,100. Some sources state that each individual has up to 3,000 song phrases, while others put the number beyond 3,000. The males' singing voice usually contains more of a melodic tone than that of the related grey catbird. Its song are coherent phrases that are iterated no more than three times, but has been done for minutes at a time. By the fall, the male sings with smoother sub-songs. During the winter, the males may also sing in short spurts during altercations with neighboring males.
To hear the thrasher sing, go here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9s0zFq82HM
You don't have to be serving up a complete Chinese dinner to serve fried rice. And with no egg and minimal oil, Anytime Fried Rice is a 1-2-3 throw-together that's quick and ready to go in no time at all. This fried rice without egg is a dinner winner!
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cups cold cooked white rice, rinsed
- 1 (10-ounce) package frozen peas, thawed
- 3 scallions, sliced
- 1/3 cup light soy sauce
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add rice and stir-fry 10 minutes.
- Add peas and scallions and continue to stir-fry 1 minute. Add remaining ingredients; mix well.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and cook 2 to 3 minutes, or until thoroughly mixed and heated through.
1945 – Itzhak Perlman, Israeli violinist
Friends, fresh air, and good food are the focus of National Eat Outside Day every year on August 31. Whether at home, a park, a favorite restaurant or food truck, or the beach, food just tastes better when we eat it under the open sky.
Many foods lend themselves to eating outdoors but sometimes it’s as simple as taking your prepared plate out to the balcony, porch, or patio. Also known as al fresco dining, many restaurants offer patio seating so their patrons can enjoy their meals while taking in the city, beach, countryside or just people watch. Even more temperate climates offer seasonal outdoor dining.
Eat Outside Day encourages you to taste the sunshine (or the moonlight) while eating your meal. It’s like a mini stay-cation where you get to recharge while enjoying a delicious feast outdoors.
HOW TO OBSERVE National Eat Outside Day
National Eat Outside Day offers limitless possibilities to celebrate! Try these ideas:
- Host an outdoor brunch or just take your bacon and eggs outside to enjoy.
- Take your sack lunch outside to eat during your break.
- Pack a picnic basket and head to the park.
- Visit your favorite restaurant and sit on the patio this time.
- Invite friends over for a BBQ.
- Take a dinner river cruise.
- Pack some sandwiches and trail mix and go for a hike.
- Stay up late, pop some popcorn, make cheese and crackers or grab the leftovers. Spread a blanket under the stars and look for constellations while snacking.
- Organize an outdoor potluck.
- Host your book club outdoors with all your favorite foods and beverages.
- Go camping. You’re nearly guaranteed to eat outdoors when you’re in the Great Outdoors.
- Take a cue from your garden. Wash off those ripening vegetables and fruits with a spritz from the hose and savor your bounty.
Eat Outside FAQ
Q. What does “al fresco” mean?
A. It means “in the air” and typically is used to reference outdoor dining.
Q. Is outdoor dining a new fad?
A. Not really. Humans have been eating outdoors for centuries. Sometimes out of necessity (caves, huts, teepees, covered wagons don’t always have a lot of space for indoor eating).
Q. What are some of the best foods to eat outdoors?
A. Just about anything can be eaten outdoors depending on the setting. However, some foods are better than others when it comes to portability and convenience. Sandwiches, finger foods, fresh fruits and vegetables all fit the picnic profile. When we’re cooking at home, nearly anything can be on the menu – including soup.
You can do this as long as you are not in the middle of a hurricane of an area with wildfires and super smokey air!
