Townsend’s Solitaire at the UW Arboretum in Madison in Dane County Wisconsin on January 31, 2018

I decided to make a run up to the UW Arboretum in Madison Wisconsin. My target bird was the Townsend’s Solitaire. It was present shortly after I arrived, but only gave brief views before disappearing. A couple hours later it was back and doing some feeding in conifers and once feeding on the ground. I was told the Townsend’s Solitaire was first seen there back on December 12, 2017. Wow, with all the food there I can see why it has not moved on. Usually there are a couple of Townsend’s Solitaires found at Devil’s Lake State Park every year. I think it has been awhile since one has been reported here. Another bird to note for the day but was not present, was a Northern Saw-whet Owl that was seen yesterday. Numerous birders showed up for that prize bird while I was there but it could not be found in the time I was there. It was a nice day out birding with some sun, mild temps and low winds. It was nice too to see some birders I have not seen for some time and exchange some birding notes with them. Images were taken on January 31, 2018

Townsend’s Solitaire perched pretty…

Townsend’s Solitaire

Binomial name: Myadestes townsendi

Category: Thrushes

Size: 8.5” long, 14.5” wingspan

Weight: 1.2 Oz.

Townsend’s Soliataire on the ground going for some conifer berries that fell…

Looking around …

Berry in the bill…

Berry going down…

Berry gone!