A Thrush, which one ??? Canada-Alberta (Sept '16) (1 Viewer)

[Vagabren]

These may be of the same bird, photos were taken within minutes of each other.

 

[Microtus]

The first one is a Vesper Sparrow, the second is a bluebird, perhaps Western.

 

[Vagabren]

I can see how the first is a Vesper Sparrow (thanks for that, I always think of Sparrows as small birds), but not seeing the second as a West Bluebird.

 

[Microtus]

It has blue on the tail, an eye-ring, and some spotting on the upper chest left over from juvenal plumage. The bill strikes me as too stout for Mountain Bluebird.

 

[DarkFireFalcon]

It has awfully long primaries, and though there's some spotting on the chest the back looks unspotted, and the chest has only a very faint rufous wash. I could see it as a Mountain Bluebird.

 

[Vagabren]

Well at least I got thrush right! Posting another photo of the second bird - taken from a different angle - in the hope that it provides better field marks.

thanks, Brenda

 

[Peter C.]

Based on the second image of the bluebird, I'm pretty sure it is a Mountain.

 

[Silverwolf]

Both western and eastern bluebird quite rare in Alberta although not unheard of.

 

[Microtus]

Based on the second image of the bluebird, I'm pretty sure it is a Mountain.

I am now inclined to agree with Mountain.