If you’ve been out on the trails recently and heard a clear, haunting whistle echoing through the trees, chances are you’ve crossed paths with a Varied Thrush. These striking songbirds, often described as the “ghosts of the forest,” are one of the earliest and most welcome signs of spring in West Bragg Creek.
With their bold orange breasts, charcoal wings, and signature black eye stripe, Varied Thrushes are not only beautiful but also important indicators of healthy forest ecosystems. They return to our region each spring to breed and nest in the quiet, mossy understory of the forest.
Unlike many songbirds, their call is a single, drawn-out note that rings out like a tone from a flute. Once you hear it, you won’t forget it.
Their return is a gentle reminder that even as the trails shift with the seasons, nature continues its rhythm all around us. So the next time you’re out on a peaceful stretch of singletrack or pausing in the woods, take a moment to listen.
The Varied Thrush is back, and so is the promise of spring!
