I saw this bird last week at Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge in Western Washington State, USA.  It’s a lifer for me, meaning it’s the first time I’ve identified it.  My life list (bird species sightings list) is really growing!

This Swainson’s Thrush was foraging along the eastern side of the Twin Barns Loop Trail, near a creek and the edge of Riparian forest.   This area gets some really nice mid-morning sunlight, at least at this time of the year when the days are long and the sun so high.

I also saw Cedar Waxwings and American Robins in the same area.  The American Robins are here year round, while the Cedar Waxwings and Swainson’s Thrush are summer visitors.  This is my first summer birding beyond my backyard, so there will probably be many firsts!