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Thursday 24 January 2013

A Snail Connoisseur

Mr Thrush working at his Anvil

Lumix G3. 100-300mm lens. 1/320 at f5.6. 300mm. ISO800

The Song Thrush will search for and eat Snails especially when the ground is hard and worms are in short supply. It will use the same location to take the snails to and smash their shells open. It often uses the same stone on the ground in a concealed place to do this. If you find an accumulation of broken snail shells then you have located the stone. Hence the term used for the stone, "The Thrush's Anvil".


19 comments:

  1. Hey Roy...This is so interesting,wildlife never ceases to amaze me with there ways of survival,and there habits!!
    Great photos...
    Grace

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  2. I did not know this!! Great job being at the right place at the right time and taking some awesome pictures!! Saw you stopped by for a visit. Thanks a lot!!

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  3. I had never heard of the "thrush's anvil". Smart birds!

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  4. I love watching these at work. They go at it with great gusto.

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  5. These are lovely photos of one of my favourite birds. I haven't seen one in my garden this winter sadly.

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    1. Thanks D. Yes they are few and far between now unfortunately.

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  6. At least this one found something to eat Roy, it must have been hard going for all the birds this last week or so...[;o)

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    1. Its not getting any better for a few days Trevor. More snow tonight apparently.

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  7. Nice photos Roy! With a Song Thrush in your garden, you won't get many snails!
    J
    Follow me at HEDGELAND TALES

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  8. Very nice photos again Roy. They used to be regular visitors to my garden and of course even when I didn't see them I would find the shells on the 'anvil'. Sadly, they are rare garden visitors nowadays. I did have one a couple of days ago though which the snow brought in. I have had their cousins, the Fieldfare and Redwing the last few days too :-)

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    1. Thanks Jan.
      I hope their numbers don't decline any further as they are a colourful bird to watch and part of the English countryside really.





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  9. Hi Roy, long time no see! (-: You're taking some beautiful photos! I've been out of blogging action for various reasons, but am hoping to get back into it shortly! What DSLR are you using if I may ask? Jen xx

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    1. Hi Jen, yes where have you been hiding. {:))
      I will email you on the subject of cameras as it gets lengthy.

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  10. You are going to be quick with your blogs lol ...... Therefore I run thus really what behind. The first photo emt the thrush and the slag is super. I also have some pictures but with a pipit (I still hear places).

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    1. Thanks Helma, some days I have plenty to post others nothing at all, thats how it goes.

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