The Lesser Slave Lake Bird Observatory is still monitoring locally breeding songbirds, but a few birds have already left their summer homes. This dispersal netted us a young Varied Thrush – our first captured during MAPS and only the ninth we have ever banded. While range maps will tell you this species cannot be found east of the Rockies, a small breeding population lives on Marten Mountain. On your hike to Lily Lake, listen for the steady flute-like whistle of our anomalous Varied Thrush.

Above: This young fellow was the first of MAPS and the earliest in the year we have ever caught a Varied Thrush (most of the others were in late August or September).

Birders new and old should understand …

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