As fall migration ramps up, birders should expect to see summer residents packing up and getting ready to move to their wintering ranges. The Hermit Thrush is one such migrant, a visually unassuming bird that has a recognizable and flute-like song often heard throughout northeastern woods. They are not typical visitors to feeders but as migration begins, they can be found foraging in backyards where there are berries on shrubs or trees. Try adding native plants like Common Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) or Northern Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) to your garden to help feed Hermit Thrushes!
Backyard Bird of the Month is a feature by Maine Audubon created for the Maine Home Garden News, the newsletter of the University of Maine Cooperative Extension: Garden and Yard
Photo by Jeff Schmoyer; used by permission.
