"A Song To Remember"
Hermit Thrush
This has been a
great winter in
southern Utah, for we have huge flocks of Robins, feeding in Pyracantha
bushes and trees. If you see a Robin, don’t assume that the bird on the
ground, that looks, holds his tail and head in the same manner as a
Robin, is one. It could be a Hermit Thrush. The Hermit Thrush, though
smaller, flicks its tail and
wings nervously,
where Robins assume a statue position.
Hermit Thrushes are considered by many, including me, to have one of the most beautiful songs. Their song [click to hear] is slow, loud, and has repetitive phrases which spiral down, echoing throughout the forest. They are gray-brown above, have distinctive spots on the breast, a reddish brown tail, and a complete white eye-ring.
The Hermit Thrush is the only Thrush normally seen in North America in winter. They generally live in the mixed woods and coniferous forests, but snow moves them to warmer climates and they settle for local parks. They hunt for food along the ground, preferring heavy cover. While they forage, they take upright positions just like Robins. So, the next time you see a Robin without the red on the breast, take a closer look, for it may be one of those secretive Hermit Thrushes.
So many times the Hermit Thrush is heard and not seen. My first encounter was its song at Lava Point Lookout in Zion National Park. My first visual was on a trail on Pinevalley Mountain. This time I saw the bird, the spots, the red tail, and heard it singing its heart out. Memories like these are something to look forward to, and never forgotten. I hope you have lots and lots of memories like these.
Once again we want to
thank Brenda Rusnell
for sharing her artistic talents with us, so we can view the seldom
seen Hermit Thrush. Marilyn Davis is a member of the Red Cliffs
Audubon. For more information about birds, Audubon Meetings, or Field
trips, call 435 673-0996.