[Fwd: [pct-l] birds on the PCT]

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

Hi Lindy. No wonder Brian loves the Hermit Thrush song, because it seems to be the same bird that you're talking about. Maybe her song varies a little? I asked Oregon Birders Online, and according to your description, this is what 3 of OBOLers had to say:
 
"This is the Hermit Thrush song.  Hermits are the thrushes of the conifer
forests in Oregon.  Swainson's prefer riparian forests, with a heavy
deciduous component, generally at lower elevations.  The Wood Thrush is a
bird of the Eastern deciduous forest and it is not found in the west except
as a vagrant.  The below description is typical for Hermit."  -Larry

"Sounds like Hermit Thrush if in Oregon."  -Alan

"Sounds like a Hermit Thrush to me - especially if it was heard in the high country." 
  -(another) Alan

I wouldn't take up any more space on this. Enjoying posts on this list ;-D.  -AF
 

> Some of our PCT-list group have mentioned the Swainson's Thrush, the 
> Hermit Thrush, Canyon Wrens, and Meadowlarks.  I recognize the song of 
> the Swainson's Thrush, but there is a bird that I have only heard in 
> the high country, and I don't know what it is.  I wonder if it is the 
> Hermit Thrush, but I thought I heard it's song on a tape once, and it 
> did not match.
>
> The bird I hear in the high country has a clear, melodious sound, with 
> varied pitches.  It starts with a long note, then a step up, then 
> quickly down two steps.   (The ascending note, followed by the two 
> descending notes are evenly sung -- all quick.)  It repeats this 
> sequence in different pitches with each little song.  I don't know why 
> it affects me so deeply...straight to my heart.
>
> Lindy
> North of Seattle