I was thrilled on Monday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge to see this handsome Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus), another one of our winter visitors. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology describes the Hermit Thrush in these words—”An unassuming bird with a lovely, melancholy song, the Hermit Thrush lurks in the understories of far northern forests in summer and is a frequent winter companion across much of the country.” Wikipedia notes that “the hermit thrush’s song has been described as “the finest sound in nature” and is ethereal and flute-like, consisting of a beginning note, then several descending musical phrases in a minor key, repeated at different pitches.”
When I first spotted the bird, I thought it might be an American Robin, because of the shape of its body and bill. The American Robin is also in the greater thrush family, but close examination showed that “my” bird lacked the reddish-orange breast color of the robin and had instead a distinctive pattern similar to that of some sparrows.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Finding a thrush in the brush must have been quite a rush.
Lovely poetry 👍
What a perfect photo! Very beautiful lighting.🙏
He’s a cutie!
Very Nice Mike! Great shot!
I so enjoyed your tribute to the Hermit Thrush here, Mike. Your photo caught what I often think is a look of curiosity in this species. They hop around, stay close to the ground, and have an enchanting presence. Every winter they come to our moderate No. Calif. climate and although they do not sing then, they are a true joy to have around. We have more this year than I’ve ever seen before…how fortunate.
He’s a simple but attractive wee bird. I like his body shape and the look of intelligence in his gaze.
Thanks, Laura. I love your wonderful choice of words that you used to describe this delightful bird.
Beautiful bird, wonderful find and capture, Mike.
Blue Rock Horses Frederick County, Virginia bluerockhorses.com
Thanks, Mitzi. I try to keep my eyes open and my reactions quick whenever I have my camera in my hand. 🙂
We love the songs of the hermit thrushes at our MN lake cabin; they are an essential part of our “normal” summer experience there. We have missed them this year.
This year, alas, has been a time of a lot of missed opportunities. With a little bit of luck, 2021 will be a bit more normal, at least in the second half of the year.
Lovely portrait of one of my favorite birds, Mike, which are sadly seen less and less in our area. I love their melodic song and when I hear one, I’ll stand transfixed, carried away by its beauty.
Thanks, Eliza. I think that this is only the third time that I have seen a Hermit Thrush, but I am going to be looking and listening more attentively this winter for them.
I love their song but have never seen one so I get to enjoy your shot even more.
Thanks, Steve. I will be looking around for more of them to photograph as we move towards winter.
Lovely, Mike. I listened to the hermit thrush’s song at Cornell Ornithology Lab’s website. It is beautiful, but not as beautiful as the wood thrush’s song, imho.
I haven’t hear a wood thrush sing, so it is hard for me to make an accurate comparison. I can’t identify many birds by their songs and calls, but I love being in places where it is quiet enough for me to enjoy the singing of the birds.
Here is the real thing: https://youtu.be/f-22ZuQyAJ4
And here is a song about it, by Laurie Lewis, equally haunting: https://youtu.be/UQYttvVDAbg
I hope you enjoy them both!
(When I first moved out to Gaithersburg in 1984, my uncle George came to visit. We were standing on the deck overlooking the wooded back yard. My uncle said, “You have a wood thrush!” I said, “How can you tell?” I had no idea.and had never paid much attention to bird songs before that. Now I could never miss it–carrying on George’s legacy.)
Unforgettable song from this one! Truly my favorite bird song. Wish ours stayed all winter.
I am not sure that I head this one sing, but will be sure to pay more attention the next time I see one.