Swainson’s Thrush. Photo by Pete Arnold.
If you saw a brown bird in May, between robin and finch size, skulking in the bushes around Cheyenne, you probably saw this thrush refueling on berries and insects after another grueling night of flying on the way up from South America. In Wyoming, its destination is a nice mountain stream where it can build a nest in the willows and alders. While establishing its territory it sings a flute-like, upward-spiraling song.
Published June 9, 2010, in the Wyoming Tribune Eagle. Text by Barb Gorges, photo by Pete Arnold.
Cheyenne Bird Banter 
I see them in April – May in Central Park. Veery songs are lovely too. Spiraling the opiate way.