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Common NameGray-cheeked/Bicknell's Thrush
Scientific NameCatharus minimus / Catharus bicknelli
Type of ReportRare Species
Date of Observation05/07/2018
MediaMedia
Number Observed2
Reporting Observer's NameDavid Hoag
Mailing Address173 W Shore Rd
Grand Isle, VT 05458
US Minor Outlying Islands
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EmailEmail hidden; Javascript is required.
Date Completed10/01/2021
Latitude of Observation (enter 0 if unable to provide)44.6365679547749
Longitude of Observation (enter 0 if unable to provide)-73.315578586571
Place NameAdjacent to the "Marsh Trail" along the edge of the South Hero Creek. A somewhat more accurate Lati-long than on the eBird report has been copied from a satellite map.
TownshipSouth Hero
CountyGrand Isle
Vermont eBird Checklist URLebird.org
Time of Day10:00 AM
Length of Time ObservedAt circa 10 AM, long enough to be viewed foraging and to be photographed.
Maximum Estimated Distance from Bird (in feet)60'
Minimum Estimated Distance from Bird (in feet)6'
Optical Equipment Used for Observation

Too close — a viewing aid unnecessary; but also viewed through camera with a 300mm or 420mm lens?

Observer’s Previous Acquaintance With This or Similar Species

Many observations of singing Bicknell's Thrushes (and Swainson's) during many Summer months' hikes on the Sunset Ridge Trail of Mt. Mansfield for many, many, many, many years; AND in Grand Isle, 1 Gray-cheeked/Bicknell's Thrush (a fallout species from rain) eBird obs. #S18523058 — a Gray-cheeked/Bicknell’s Thrush with a relatively long primary projection, 23 May 2014.

I certify that any attachments included with this report were captured during this observation event​​.
Behaviors Observed

Pair: foraging together on the ground and in low shrubbery along the edge of a wooded path beside a marsh.

Verbal Narrative & Description of Observation

No notes other than those included in the eBird report. See photos for description: A pair of VERY SMALL, indistinctly-marked thrushes foraging together, not far from where the brighter plumaged Veery was photographed. Note the lack of a defined eye ring, and the nearly unmarked breast. My first thought was a probable Bicknell's Thrush migration fallout, only from assuming that Gray-cheeked might be a less likely VT migrant. The eBird report was later renamed as a Gray-cheeked/Bicknell's — replacing the original and less-helpful "Catharus sp." category.
https://ebird.org/vt/checklist/S45432364

IMPORTANT: What similar species were eliminated when making the identification and how was this bird different?

See other notes, including the Veery photo taken at the SAME time and place.

Other Notes & Comments

NOTE: The attached file shows the location of ten (10) more Month-of-May Champlain Valley "Gray/Bick" Thrushes.

"Oct 1 ... Ian Worley ... Hi Dave, At the upcoming meeting of the Vermont Bird Records Committee they will be discussing at least two submissions of a Gray-cheeked Thrush (or Bicknell's Thrush). This would be a great opportunity for you to have your 2018 bird added to that conversation.
https://ebird.org/vt/checklist/S45432364
It would be very helpful for everyone concerned, and future birders and researchers, if your possible Gray-cheeked is discussed as well at the same time. ... Ian"
.....................................................................
The closely-associated pair of surprisingly-small gray thrushes were too busily foraging and flying about to cooperatively pose for a group portrait (of both, with or without the Veery), or for any more close-up photos. Knowing how difficult differentiating Gray-cheeked from Bicknell's could be, I originally posted the observation as "Catharus species", but later changed the observation to the available name of "Gray-cheeked/Bicknell's" — a name much easier to relocate during a search of eBird. I suspected that the pair were Bicknell's because of the apparent tiny size; however Gray-cheeked could also be migrating through Vermont.

NOTE: The attached file shows the location of 10 more month-of-May Champlain Valley "Gray" Thrushes.

This report was written from notes taken:Written from Memory