ML644453561

Observation details

Initially flushed with VATH and Palm Warbler while Dan and I poked around buildings in search of vagrant passerines, as we had seen a few landbirds here over the last couple days. Viewing and photography made very difficult by the driving snow and 20+mph wind. Medium-sized Turdus thrush (smaller than the nearby VATH). Brown upperparts overall with pale tips to wing coverts. Underparts whitish with buffy wash to upper breast that darkens down the flanks. Crisp spots and thin steaks throughout (longer streaks down the flanks). Busy face pattern including pale thin eye ring and “marbled” auriculars. Bill thin for a Turdus; extensively pale lower mandible. Flight photo reveals bright rusty underwing coverts and a solidly dark tail that contrasts sharply with white UTCs. On at least one occasion gave sharp “tic” call when taking flight. Got word out ASAP and bird was successfully chased by the birding groups in town. Bird was very mobile, often keeping company with the VATH. Coordinates for epicenter of sighting are 71.3253612, -156.6743852