[pct-l] Re: Swainson's Thrush

[alpineflowers at earthlink.net (alpineflowers@earthlink.net)]

Of course, Birdman! All hikers must. In fact, many hikers must be 
birders, artists,
poets (especially short nature poems), essayists, musicians, 
photographers, and botanists.
I think folks just want to keep a low profile, and also stay "on topic". 
But I found your post deeeelightful! Who better to give bird or flower 
reports than from hikers?
It would be nice to read them on this list as "by-the-ways" - that way 
the posts are
still on topic. I'm a short-distance hiker, but there are so many 
warbling, trilling,
whistling, slurring songbirds. A Hawk's cry sounds unbelievable too, 
especially when the
wind pauses in contrast. Lazuli Buntings summer in Jackson Gap on Mt 
Ashland, and Hermit Warblers (bright yellow head) at Lake of the Woods 
in the conifer forest - both of them
are great singers and about 2" smaller than your "little" Swainson's 
Thush. Canyon Wrens (located in spiritual - don't mean religious - 
places, Good Sigh *s*) and Meadowlarks are two of my favorite singers in 
the Pacific Northwest.

You might want to join Oregon Birders Online (OBOL) (or in CA). It has a 
lot of fun posts. Be aware that it's an active list as well.   
http://lists.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/obol
 -AF       

>I was out hiking last weekend and I heard the familiar call of the
>Swainson's Thrush many times, although I didn't see very many, which is
>normal for this shy lbb. (Little brown bird)  It is described as an upward
>spiraling flute like song.  I always get an emotional response to the song
>of this bird especially when I am in a forest and the sound bounces and
>reverberates off the trees.  I don't know why, maybe it reminds me of spring
>or some other pleasant experience from my past or a former lifetime.
>
>Anyone else have a similar experience to a bird call or have a favorite bird
>along the PCT?  I don't recall seeing birds or wildlife mentioned that often
>on the list.  I always bring my binoculars and bird book when I hike.
>
>John "Birdman" Coyle
>Sacramento
>  
>