Peninsula State Park revealed a few more signs of spring’s arrival this evening… not the least of which were tree buds bursting with new green leaves, persistently drumming ruffed grouse, and the melodious chorus of not one, but two hermit thrushes!!!

Tonight I started at Weborg Point, took Hemlock Trail over to Sunset Trail, and hiked north on Sunset Trail to Tennis Court Trail. It was getting late… about 6 PM… so I didn’t dawdle. I sacrificed silence for speed. There are few things I dislike more than being caught out on the trails in the dark. I can do it fine, I just don’t like it. *wink*

The wild honeysuckle and other trees are absolutely bursting with life. The sight of fresh, bright young green leaves soaking in the evening sun, cheered my heart. The birches and aspens were also just starting to pop:

But the raucous — and I mean raucous :D — hermit thrush singing from high atop the trees at the intersection of Sunset and Tennis Court Trails is really what pulled my chain.

I’ve heard many hermit thrushes. Theirs is my favorite bird call. I have never not stopped to admire the almost-magic, mystical, ethereal perfectly tuned chords that these amazing little birds just seem to spill out.

But I’ve never actually watched a hermit thrush sing. Not only did I get to watch this little fellow, but he humored me for over 10 minutes. I stood right below him (her?), snapping pictures, my head jacked backwards, just watching and listening in awe. It was a delight!

Finally the light was getting low, the raccoons were crashing about in the understory (LOL!) and I knew I had a bit of a trek in front of me. I headed back south on Sunset Trail.

As I passed the old gravel pit, I spied a male wild turkey wandering around. And in the distance, to the east-southeast, I heard yet another hermit thrush. It wasn’t the same as the first one, as I’d just left earshot of it not 30 seconds before. The 2nd hermit thrush was probably around the north end of Weborg Marsh, a bit south of Mengelberg Lane.

The sun set about as I reached Nelson’s Point. It was truly a picture-perfect ending to the day.

Filed under: Birds • Sightings

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