The Varied Thrush (Ixoreus naevius) breeds from Alaska to California in dark, wet, mossy forests having almost completely shaded floors. Most birds winter along the Pacific Coast, with occasional individuals straying throughout the far western United States. In infrequent irruption years, individuals are seen farther east, including into Colorado. In our state the Varied Thrush is observed very rarely. The bird’s shy behavior, its propensity for dark, wet forests, and its low population density makes its observation quite difficult even in its primary range.
FEMALE VARIED THRUSH
On February 11th, a female Varied Thrush was observed in dense habitat on our property, Falcon Ridge. This land has been planted to and managed for diverse wildlife habitats. Over the years it has attracted many bird species that are rarely found in Colorado. Hundreds of birders have also come to Falcon Ridge, many to see “life birds”, or species that they have not seen elsewhere in the state. In most years, between 140 and 150 species of birds are observed at Falcon Ridge, which is now permanently protected through two Conservation Easements.
This cache has been placed within 100 feet of where the Varied Thrush has been seen repeatedly over the past week. Find the cache, sign its log, and then, if you are so inclined, look for the bird! Stay on the driveway--doing so provides your best chance of seeing the thrush, but you need to be lucky. It’s sort of like finding a 5-star Difficulty cache!! It takes time, and sometimes it takes some luck! And speaking of luck, “Good Luck”.
You have our permission to come onto the property to locate the cache (and to try for this special bird). Drive up Falcon View Drive and park in front of the green gate. For purposes of the sign near the highway, you are a Guest. The cache is close to where you'll park. Because of tinder-dry grass, no smoking is allowed on Falcon Ridge, per common sense, and per stipulations of the Conservation Easements. Access is restricted to daylight hours.
Post Script The Varied Thrush is a very special bird to me. Forty-two years ago I was in a highly advantageous circumstance that allowed close study of the behavioral repertoire of this species. I published a technical paper on the behavior of the Varied Thrush that after all these intervening years remains the only published information on the species’ behavior. Today Denali50 and I are in a position to repay the favor to a single Varied Thrush female, by providing what we hope will be a safe location for her until she returns to the Pacific Coast for nesting.