Swainson's Thrush (Catharus ustulatus ustulatus)

Often heard, but rarely seen, this secretive species is common in Willow thickets where their ethereal upward spiraling song can often be heard at dawn and dusk, even before sunrise or after sunset. One was singing outside our window at 5am this morning when it was still dark. In our area they arrive quietly at the end of April from wintering grounds in the tropics, but don't start singing until early May.