I take a seat outside with a glass of freshly squeezed lemonade to enjoy this wonderful weather we are having here in the Adirondacks. The robin-egg sky is no match for the numerous birds singing in the forest. Early this morning I heard a series of clear, musical phrases consisting of a piping introductory note and a reedy tremolo. This beautiful song signals the presence of the Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus) to the Adirondacks.
I truly never get tired of hearing such a musical phrase and am delighted when I heard an encore. The Hermit Thrush is a small Thrush that has a spotted chest, white eye-ring and a distinct reddish tail with a rich brown head and back.
This little bird peaks at 7.5 inches and has a habit of flicking its tail. It thrives in coniferous/mixed forests and during migration it resides in deciduous woodlands and thickets.
Many have claimed, next to a loon call, that this species ranks high on the list of beautiful songs for North American birds.
The songs of the Hermit Thrush are one to be enjoyed and savored. Its songs, fill a forests with a distinctive whimsical, flute-like song, Oh, holy holy, ah, purity purity eeh, sweetly sweetly, long before you catch a glimpse of them.