Ed and Tweeters,

Based on experience in the Vancouver, B.C. area and through much of
western Washington, I would say that Varied Thrushes breed at sea
level wherever there is old-growth forest present. For most of western
Washington, that means they will be found in very few places.

Around Vancouver, BC, Varied Thrushes are present in summer and
unquestionably breed in Stanley Park (Vancouver) and Lighthouse Park
(West Vancouver), both of which are largely old-growth forest.
However, they are uncommon at sea level even in the best habitat, and
their abundance increases dramatically at higher altitudes. I have
done some quantitative surveys in Mount Seymour Provincial Park near
Vancouver, and by the time one reaches 800 metres altitude, Varied
Thrushes become one of the most abundant birds.

A look at the Varied Thrush map in "Breeding Birds of Washington
State" by Smith, Mattocks and Cassidy shows records of presumably
breeding Varied Thrushes near sea level in the San Juan Islands; on
Fidalgo Island (Skagit County); at Larrabee State Park, Whatcom
County; on the Olympic Peninsula; and at scattered other localities.
However, no presence is shown on Vashon Island.

I suspect the pattern of being present but rather scarce at sea level
(dependent on the presence of suitable habitat), but much more
abundant at higher altitudes, holds true for Varied Thrushes
throughout western Washington. Red-breasted Sapsuckers have a similar
distribution pattern, but are perhaps a bit commoner near sea level.

Wayne C. Weber
Kamloops and Delta, BC
contopus at shaw.ca


----- Original Message -----
From: Linda Barnes/Ed Swan <swanbarn at concentric.net>
To: <tweeters at u.washington.edu>
Sent: Wednesday, July 24, 2002 3:07 PM
Subject: Lowland Breeding Season Varied Thrush


> A number of Varied Thrush have been found at several different
locations on
> Vashon Island and there is at least one older nesting record. Do
they use
> lowland forests at other locations around Puget Sound?
>
> Ed Swan
> Vashon Island
> (206) 463-7976