I had a new yard bird today and a first for me, too. Two Hermit Thrushes
were taking turns in the bird bath this evening. That gave me a chance for
long looks but not very close up. My first thought was - Fox Sparrow - but
these birds were too small and not so bright. I noticed right away the
reddish tail contrasting with the grayer back and wings. The throat was
white with reddish-brown streaky spots and the under parts were plain gray
on the breast fading to nearly white on the belly. I think I could detect
eye rings. Let's just say I'm 99% sure of the ID.
So that excitement made up for an otherwise slow day. Yesterday, I had 13
Goldfinches at the feeders; the most I have ever seen here at once, but none
today. The 2 Pine Siskins that were here all day on the 19th have not come
back. I'm still waiting for the Juncos and Purple Finches.
Nancy Young
Blue Ridge,
Botetourt County
