Deep within the forest at Lake Sylvia State Park on 6 August 2019, Erika spied two robin-sized Varied Thrushes. The birds moved about a bit, never approaching too near, but not flying away. Between the poor light and the birds’ wariness, this was my best image.
I was not sure of the Varied Thrush’s summer range in Washington. The species breeds from Alaska south to northern California and in the Rockies in northeastern Washington, northern Idaho, and northwestern Montana. Most birds move south in the winter and also a few wander across most of the rest of the United States. All but three or four states have winter records. According to Wahl (2005), in western Washington, Varied Thrushes are fairly common residents and migrants in mountain forests. Apparently they once inhabited western lowland forests, but have retreated in the face of agriculture and deforestation.
I was not sure of the Varied Thrush’s summer range in Washington. The species breeds from Alaska south to northern California and in the Rockies in northeastern Washington, northern Idaho, and northwestern Montana. Most birds move south in the winter and also a few wander across most of the rest of the United States. All but three or four states have winter records. According to Wahl (2005), in western Washington, Varied Thrushes are fairly common residents and migrants in mountain forests. Apparently they once inhabited western lowland forests, but have retreated in the face of agriculture and deforestation.
No comments:
Post a Comment