Ear to the Wild: Swainson’s Thrushes on the Russian River Estuary

The Swainson’s Thrush is one of those birds that you’re more likely to hear than see. If you paddle along the south bank of the Russian River Estuary, near Jenner… you might just hear the beautiful music of our russet-backed Swainson’s Thrush! The Swainson’s Thrush is one of those birds that you’re more likely to hear than see. Their song sounds kind of like a flute as it ascends from low to high, like this [sound]. The Swainson’s Thrushes we have on the Pacific coast are known as “russet-backed” because they have a slightly more reddish color than those in the rest of North America. They also have a slightly different song [sound]. In late spring and summer… If you paddle along the south bank of the Russian River Estuary, near Jenner… you might just hear the beautiful music of our russet-backed Swainson’s Thrush!   The Swainson’s Thrush, on the shore of the Russian River Estuary. Thanks for lending an Ear to the Wild. I’m Jack Hines. For more information, please visit eartothewild.com