I observed the Varied Thrush today from around 11-11:30 from the
parking lot of Housing and Community Development on State St. near
Bailey Ave.  The bird was roosting in the Norway Spruce adjacent to the
edge of the lot next to the back of the garage behind the realty office
on on the corner of Bailey and State.  The bird seems to like roosting
in this particular tree, althought it moves around and has been
observed in the saplings around the HCD building as well as in a small
patch of leaves and ground directly behind it near the snow-covered
stairs.  There was a lot of activity around the lot that it did not
seem to be too distressed by, but it did move about as more people came
out of the building to borrow my binoculars for a look.  I walked
around to the realtor's lot to see if I could get a better look after
it hopped higher and deeper into the tree, and when I got back the bird
had moved away or deeper in where I could not relocate it.

I had the good fortune to observe this species a week ago Saturday in
Newbury, NH--an adult male.  This bird appeared to me to have similar
neck extension which would point to its possibly being an immature
male.  The facial and wing markings appear to support a male rather
than female, as well.  While its plumage was a bit more drab than the
full adult, it was nonetheless a striking thrush and a most handsome
bird.  The overall burnished orange look in the full sunlight against
the green of the spruce branches was stunning.

While trying to not fall as I stepped gingerly about (the parking lot
is very treacherous with thick ice!), I noted a singing male N.
Cardinal who rivaled the thrush for center stage--absolutely the
reddest I have ever seen, two Tufted Titmice, a House Sparrow, three
Rock Pigeons and many Black-capped Chickadees.

Paula Gills
Brookfield/Northfield