Dusky Thrush

8 Dec - One of the best birds of the year, a 1st winter Dusky Thrush from Siberia, was identified as wintering in the Midlands village of Beeley via a photo from a birder's back garden posted online. I was free to join the crowds after a few days, with the bird still present and settled into a routine centred on the orchard at Dukes Barn in the village. Arriving soon after dawn and the forecast rain, I had brief views of the bird in an apple tree in poor light, and it then disappeared for a while. Later in the morning it returned to the orchard and adjoining conifers, to feed, rest and preen, and it gave very good views, especially when the sun briefly appeared. A distinctive Thrush, more stocky than the accompanying Redwings, an obvious chestnut wing patch, broad white supercilium, and black-spotted white breast making it a striking eastern vagrant, presumably another result of the prolonged winds from Siberia during the autumn. Dukes Barn was amazingly welcoming, with refreshments (and facilities) all available..... a great finale to the birding year.