The Palmer Thrasher 
Taken in Arizona Photo by the Author 
NEST OF PALMER THRASHER IN CHOLLA CACTUS 
The arm, or joint, immediately overhead had been plucked clean on 
the underside; whereas the remoter thorns had only the tips broken off. 
Evidently her children were going to have their chance in the world. 
A cynic would not see what there could be to sing about under 
such circumstances; but your Palmer Thrasher is undoubtedly gifted 
in song. The “joy of life” evidently comes from the inside, and a happy 
heart finds heaven in a thorn-bush. If that heaven is invaded by a rude 
outsider, the bird finds relief for his (or her) feelings by lurking in the 
offing and shouting quick, quick, quick, in upbraiding tones. 
Palmer’s Thrashers are, of course, non-migratory; and while they 
rove about somewhat in winter, they show strong local attachments 
at nesting time. If undisturbed, the birds use the same or neighboring 
chollas for a nesting site year after year; and my son once investigated 
a bush which held fourteen nests, all on a graduated scale of destickidation. 
696 
