Greetings all - 
As of Thursday April 21st, the VARIED THRUSH continues at the Harris's Sparrow host home (Bear Hollow Road) near Apple Creek, as reported already this a.m. by Cheryl Harner. In speaking with Greg Miller again today (9:30 a.m.) there are a few details that may help birders in their quest. To reiterate, the FEMALE Varied Thrush is working the forest floor, a small trek behind the homestead. STURDY BOOTS are highly recommended for walking back into the still very wet woods. In order to locate the thrush, birders must cross TWO barbed wire fences and possibly a small ravine. Kindly, the homeowners have placed burlap sacks over the barbed wire, where crossing is required. While Varied Thrush is a stunningly-patterned bird, keep in mind that in your field guide it appears quite eye-popping (even the female) but it is a shy, cryptic species that spends much of it's time on the ground, kicking around the leaf litter quietly. It is certainly not as bold as American Robin. The Apple Creek bird is exhibiting classic shy behavior, sticking close to and within bramble patches and sometimes sitting up quietly in surrounding trees. While some folks will undoubtably arrive to "tick" the bird and will find it quickly, the majority will need time for patient and quiet searching. While binocular views have been fair to good, scope views have been EXCELLENT. The more time you give to finding this quiet, Pacific Northwest specialty, the better your chances. Because of the more pleasant day today, weather wise, views have been great thus far Thursday morning. While the bird still requires actual searching, yesterday's weather offered unfavorable conditions for the bird itself AND birders. Today is a different story. 
A side note. While it is merely an "understood" amongst the birding community and each and every birder has their own personal "style", keep in mind that this is the SECOND awesome rarity that these youngsters have found, and that the family has very, very kindly hosted an onslaught of birders, yet again! That being said, there exists that brilliant system of bird FEEDERS on the side of the house, that played host to the Harris's Sparrow. My guess is, the family flies through bags of thistle, sunflower, and suet cakes (WINK....WINK). 
Good luck, and best of birding!Jen





Jen Brumfield 
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Cleveland, Ohio
330-701-6452

                                          
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