Hi Tweeters,

I saw a thrush in our Anacortes backyard May 6, and saw it very well,
but am not quite certain of my ID. It seems too late for Hermit and too
early for Swainson's.

It seemed to have a pale lore, and though the rump and tail were
russety, that's not atypical for Pacific coast Swainson's. It did not
bob its tail at all (as a Hermit typically would). But the breast
spotting was quite dark and pronounced; I think of Swainson's as paler.

Sorry I didn't get a photo; it was very early and dim when it emerged
from the hedgerow and I realized it wasn't a Fox Sparrow, and I saw it
for about 30 seconds only.

ID suggestions? Thanks! I want to know which to put on the yard list.

Kristi Hein
khc
at
picturesandwords.com