There are a number of reasons why I decided to take on this project. My first reason has to do with my interest in birds. This began shortly after moving to Victoria ten and a half years ago. With our house backing onto a wooded area, the chirping of birds is a familiar sound all year long. I often glance out the window to see birds of all forms in the yard throughout the day. Frequently I will pull out the Birds of Victoria or Birds of North America reference guides we have on hand. Unfortunately, the drawings in the first aren’t overly helpful for identification and the number of entries in the second is overwhelming. My second reason has to do with a photography course I took a number of years ago. Since that time I have been trying to think of a practical reason to buy a new camera. Taking pictures of birds requires a powerful zoom lens which my previous point-and-shoot camera could not accommodate. Perfect! My final reason was my desire to take on a new project to welcome in 2011. Hence, bird of the day was born.



Sunday, September 11, 2016

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

Appearance:
Medium-sized thrush
Brown upperparts
Brown spots on buff throat and breast
White belly
Dark mustache stripe
Pale buff eye-ring

Listen to its call.

Although similar in appearance, the Swainson's Thrush and Hermit Thrush can be differentiated by their eye-ring, as well as their plumage. The Swainson’s Thrush has uniformly brown upperparts, whereas the rufous tail of the Hermit Thrush contrasts with its brown back.

Learn more about the Swainson's Thrush.

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