A Gray-cheeked Thrush Hides In Our Toronto Lilac Bush
A Gray-cheeked Thrush Hides In Our Toronto Lilac Bush
On spring, as I went about cleaning up the dishes after breakfast, out of the corner of my eye I saw a blur fly past the patio door and make a sharp veer to the left. I was grateful that the bird hadn’t been fooled into flying into the window’s reflection. I was keen to locate it in my backyard and thrilled when the bird turned out to be a Gray-cheeked Thrush.
When first I espied the Gray-cheeked Thrush, I thought it was a fledgling American Robin, being of similar colouring. The olive-brown plumage and whitish eye-ring are what made it possible to distinguish between those two species.
I was extremely excited to see a Gray-cheeked Thrush. These birds are one of the most elusive and most difficult to identify among their genus.
As I watched and waited, the Gray-cheeked Thrush enjoyed the shade in amongst the lilac branches. It did not seem to mind all the attention it was garnering from Bob and me.
The Gray-cheeked Thrush calmly sat hidden away from predators.
It was rather surprising to see a Gray-cheeked Thrush in Toronto. It landed here as it migrated back to the northern regions of Canada for breeding after spending the winter in areas of Central and South America. I was more than pleased to welcome it to my garden.
I fervently hoped that the Gray-cheeked Thrush would break into song. They vocalize with a series of reedy notes that are reminiscent of a flute.
The Gray-cheeked Thrush remained in our backyard for close to 30 minutes before taking flight. This was likely a male since they precede the females to their breeding grounds. I wonder if I’ll ever be graced by its presence again. I sure hope so.
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Your bird is actually a Gray-cheeked Thrush. The greyish flanks on the side of the bird plus the cold tones on the face indicate it as such. It is a more difficult bird to come across on spring migration than the Hermit Thrush, and especially in your yard. Consider yourselves fortunate!
Thanks, Kellie. I believe you are right. I had no idea. We have had Hermit Thrushes on our property over the years, so we thought this was another one, perhaps an immature bird or in spring plumage.
Hi folks,
How wonderful to hear the song of the Hermit Thrush! Absolutley delightful!
cheers, Janine
Hi Janine. Thanks for your comment. I love to hear the song of the Hermit Thrush when out in the woods. One time, Bob and I rode our bikes in past The Last House at Oxtongue, and, way back in along that road, we heard a Hermit Thrush where a lot of pine trees grow. Their flute-like melody resonates through the air and always transports me back to the first time we heard them at Lake St. Peter.