The Hermit Thrush is a winter visitor to our area, arriving by October and departing by May to the forests of the Sierras to breed.
The Hermit Thrush is a medium-small brownish bird with spotted breast, white eyering, and pink legs. Although it prefers a dense cover, it can be found in urban settings, especially on the border of forests. The bird pictured above was photographed in November by Erica Rutherford in her backyard at Hiller Highlands—the photograph then posted to Kay Loughman’s local wildlife gallery (nhwildlife.net). Kay says, “I have fond memories of Hermit Thrushes from when I was a bird bander—they never struggled when being held for measuring and banding, and often, when I’d open my hand to release the bird, it would just sit there, sometimes for several minutes!” Erica responded, “It’s consistent with my observations... they often appear late in the afternoon after the chaos of the Siskins depart. I am always thrilled to see them.”
The Hermit Thrush is a winter visitor to our area, arriving by October and departing by May to the forests of the Sierras to breed.
