![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQAJwdYM7HXZJtWQFGclqP6aexxQRB37zfL83pDHIzAcoofxy7I0uBgPwQdwTMOzXG8E3xBXvJQCVbetLMEUg5WrCSt1RBl2mbJsuT34UJg80k_z64hsfOl3ddngedqmvvsmcJ9zz3tQ/s280/SageThrasherMonoLkCA.jpg) |
A Sage Thrasher checking out its territory at Mono Lake, CA; 6/16/2009 |
As I was chasing Violet-Green Swallows around the unique formations of Mono Lake a couple of years ago, another bird appeared suddenly scattering all the swallows off their perches. It was a Sage Thrasher (Above) which posed proudly for a few seconds before disappearing again.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4oddTW9BsmDii9ekoGHUR3Cqx5grC4l8QqENnIUOLHZGmxuvGy6gMt7v7sqyUb1u_p3kakH9s2_ORQYsT8uXuHHJBN5CKnmAjCi2qtn7V5xcPGPc45jU-0yK6Z8XizN_zTT7GzDq3Pdc/s400/Sage-Thrasher%252C-Mono-Lk%252C-CA%252C.jpg) |
The same Sage Thrasher |
Its long bill and yellow eyes, a trademark of most thrashers, were very evident even while I was several yards away. This is the only time I have seen a Sage Thrasher and upon seeing it, I guessed it was a thrasher or thrush of some type. After getting a better look at it on my computer, I was able to identify it in my
Sibley Guide. Sage Thrashers are fairly common in the sage brush plains of Wyoming, Nevada , Utah, and Colorado, as well as further north into Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana, and slightly into Western California. I probably saw this guy in its farthest western range. During the Winter months it will migrate into southern Texas, Arizona, and the Baja Peninsuala and much of Mexico.
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The unique calcium-carbonate spires of Mono Lake, CA; 6/16/2009. |
While researching places to visit during our trip to Yosemite Nat. Park, I came across images of Mono Lake, and knew right away that I didn't want to miss this area with its unique towers (Above) made of calcium-carbonate. I certainly wasn't disappointed. it was a very photogenic lake.
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The snow-streaked Sierra Nevada Mountains prove to be a great backdrop for the spires of Mono Lake, CA; 6/16/2009. |
I'd forgotten what a stunning place this is...
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