Winter Thrushes

 

Hermit Thrush

A couple of shy Hermit Thrushes braved the cold months at Halibut Point. They would appear now and then at the edge of the wood line scuffling through the leaves in search of food.

It's a challenging time of year for birds that are primarily insectivores.

Hermit Thrush in cedar tree

The solution to survival lies in diet adaptation, adjusting to concentrate on fruit in trees and shrubs.

Standing on ice

During frigid weather even water can be scarce. Some birds drank at the edge of the quarry where sun-warmed stone melted a thin band of ice.

Robins eating privet berries

Robins, another member of the Thrush family, have successfully contended with similar problems. They have sometimes been present in large flocks this the winter.

Robins in the snow

Their adaptation is a surprising departure from traditional lore viewing Robins as the first sign of spring.

Eastern Bluebird this week

A few resident Bluebirds have been the cheeriest members of the Thrush family recently at Halibut Point. This one's day started at 17˚.

Bluebird in Sumac tree

Like the other species it adapted to available food. 

All the thrushes bring melodious voices and flashes of color to their environment.