Subject: [Tweeters] Swainson's Thrush Arrival in Western Washington
Date: Apr 11 19:46:41 2012
From: Brad Waggoner - wagtail at sounddsl.com


Hi All,

Just a word of note as far as to the arrival of Swainson's Thrushes here
in Western Washington. As one that attempts to keep bird records here in
the state of Washington, any Swainson's Thrush reported before the 3rd
week in April would need to be fully documented for it to make a state
record. I would personally probably make that even later in the month
just based on my experience. They just do not arrive in our area really
until the first of May.

What I have noticed is that Song Sparrows do an absolutely perfect
Swainson's Thrush-like call note. Whether this is a note uttered prior
to the start of a song or is just a one note call, I can't say for sure.
I just know that I have been fooled many times by this imitation.

Another thing I have noticed is that if I am lucky enough to detect or
see a Swainson's Thrush in the early days of May, they have not been
singing. Uttering their call notes, perhaps, but not singing. I normally
don't hear them until mid May or after when they are establishing
territories.

Just my two cents worth...............

Cheers and good birding,
Brad Waggoner
Bainbridge Island
mailto:wagtail at sounddsl.com