[MDOsprey] Gray-cheeked Thrushes

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We had not one, but two Gray-cheeked Thrushes in the yard today (Sunday,
5/23/1999): Davidsonville, Anne Arundel County, MD.

One of them traced an identical path made by a bird last year ... it walked
right across the driveway at the exact same place.  [Same bird?]
(Unfortunately, I can't locate my note with last year's date on it).

Both birds were vocalizing in mid-afternoon.  Try as we could, we could not
make either of them into a Bicknell's.  A review of all the literature and
of the vocalizations makes me respect even more how difficult the
separation problem is for these species.  Virtually nothing is a reliable
field mark, except maybe size (?)--and color of the "bottom of the foot"
(sheesh !!!).  Tail color and lower mandible color are not 100% reliable.
After listening to a number of recordings, I'm no convinced the
vocalization case is a strong one, in my mind--but I'll let those with more
vocalization experience comment on that.

Phil




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Phil Davis

home:	PDavis@ix.netcom.com	Davidsonville, Maryland	USA
work:	PDavis@OAO.com        	Greenbelt, Maryland	USA
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