Just a minute ago, I observed a Swainson's Thrush in my yard in Golden Valley.
I understand that this is an exceptionally early date, and I myself was in disbelief. Nonetheless, I am 1000% certain (yes, one thousand percent) that it was a Swainson's Thrush and NOT a Hermit Thrush. I first found it within close vicinity of 2 Hermit Thrushes, until one of the Hermits chased it away. I first noticed how buffy-colored its face was. As I examined further, I saw absolutely NO hint of red anywhere on its plumage, including its tail. (The flanks were especially dingy-colored too, although I do not know how diagnostic it is to diferentiate it from a Hermit.) I looked at this bird through my 20x80 spotting scope at a range of 30 yards, and at closer ranges with my little pair of binoculars. I observed it for several minutes. The sky is overcast, so that did not prove to be a problem whatsoever. I did take a picture of it through my cell phone through my spotting scope that may be diagnostic, however I am still trying to figure out how to e-mail it to myself... Good birding! Alyssa DeRubeis ---- Join or Leave mou-net:http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives:http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
