Subject: Swainson's Thrush
Date: Jun 15 21:37:55 1999
From: Michael Hobbs - Hummer at isomedia.com


> So, which are more common, the Hermit or Swainson's Thrush?

Hermit Thrush pass through the Puget lowlands in largish numbers during the
last 3 weeks of April, heading north and up. They are mostly silent during
migration (at least, they don't usually sing), so many pass unobserved. They
breed at higher elevations (above 1000'?). They dribble back down during
September and October. They are present in the Seattle area all winter long,
but in quite small numbers.

Swainson's Thrush begin arriving in early May, and by June they are one of the
most numerous nesting birds. At this time of year, they are plentiful and
noisy, giving both their "WhiDDTT" call and their rising spiral flute song.
They are, however, somewhat difficult to see. As often as not, they will sing
from the interior branches of a tree. Looking for them on an exposed perch is
often futile. They tend to be lower down than you might think, and I often see
them on or near the ground. When they notice you, they often freeze for a
moment, as if deciding whether to flee. Then they vanish.

== Michael Hobbs
== Kirkland WA
== hummer at isomedia.com