The Wood Thrush is a rather uncommon migrant in our area

We now have a Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) in the garden. This is one of four North American migrants, all with spotted breasts, but this one, the largest of the four, is readily identifiable because of the bright rufous crown. No native species are spotted, which helps to narrow the possibilities for identification. I have recorded this species close to the house before, but very rarely. Its abrupt alarm note often indicates its presence. This particular bird may have set up its winter territory here in the garden, because it has now hit the window twice, recovering nicely each time. My falcon stickers have improved the situation regarding window accidents, but we still have one or two incidents each week. Friend Karel Straatman supplied the picture above of this handsome bird, taken during one of his Costa Rica visits. He will shortly take his camera to Ecuador, where he will be able to add greatly to his photo collection.

My pics now follow, the first taken with the bird in hand:

Wood Thrush recovers from first window encounter

Now here he is, much more alert:

The first Wood Thrush in our garden.