I remember decades ago discovering this bird. Though I had heard the song before and was mesmerized by the sound, I had not identified the bird. It was in the Redwoods in spring of 1992 while camping on the north coast of California. I took a walk into the Redwood forest when I heard this haunting songs near by. Slowly creeping off trail through wet ferns and Rhododendrons among the masive trees I followed the bird deeper into the woods. It had been raining and I was getting very wet during this hunt, wondering if it would be worth it. But an occasional flit of a shadow and a song kept me going. Suddenly I stopped my drive through the brush to notice I had entered a small clearing in the towering forest. On two sides of me were moss covered fallen giants, in front a thicket of Rhododendron many in bloom, the soft ground was green with moss and clover like plants with small ferns popping up everywhere. The sky had been grey all day and water dripped down from a hundred feet overhead, off the canopy of the great surrounding trees. Suddenly a beam of sunlight came down through the misty trees in a bright column and lit up the small clearing, the world turned brilliant green with sparkling diamonds dropping all around me. Just at that moment a tiny bird hopped out on to the top of the nearest fallen tree and began to sing in the sunshine, not ten feet from me. I nearly wept for the beauty of the moment which must have lasted less than a minute or two however, I’ve never forgotten it all these years latter. That little Hermit Thrush and I had a communion there for a while in the green cathedral and he was the choir.
My husband and I are building a camp in Schroon NY and we hear this bird every day we are there! It’s absolutely beautiful. It starts singing at the crack of dawn and all day, right up until sundown. It is such a soothing sound especially after a rainfall 💕
These precious babies are ALL over my property where I live. I was able to befriend one of them last fall. I look forward to attracting him back this spring 🤎
We have wood thrush here in Ohio and oh how lovely they are. Every evening at dusk they sing their beautiful haunting song. I feel sad thinking of them flyng south in couple of months. I worry about them like they are my pets.
I first heard something like a flute in my woods and later learned it was a thrush; I think it was a wood thrush because it only came in summer. But recently I was blessed to see a hermit thrush on our sumac tree and in our yard 😊
Haunting, that is a great description! I heard this song through my youth in the woods, and you are right woods would not be the same without their music.
I was lucky to observe a Hermit Thrush nest with 3 chicks for almost a week in an Ontario park in July, 2021. I even made a video (using, for the first time, my new action cam) and posted it on YT. Now I'm trying to familiarize myself with this bird so that once I see it, I'll be able to identify it.
I live in Michigan too and have a cabin in northern Michigan. There doesn't seem to be a word to describe they're beautiful song. It is ethereal! When I hear this call I think of the first time I ever heard one I see the woods!
During the summer in the Colorado high country I could listen to all day and never tire of the song of the Hermit Thrush. It's the sound that got me interested in birding initially. I love the sound of this bird.
You are absolutely right, dear Lesley - they truly are a gift from God as is all of beautiful nature! What an interesting story behind this cute little bird! Thank you for sharing it! I think they are adorable! I have always loved Robins and they are prevalent in Idaho where I grew up but I never knew they were also a Thrush! That's the thing about your videos, Lesley, they educate as well as delight the eyes!
My sister and I have been section hiking the Long Trail in Vermont. The hermit thrush, which I call the hiking bird, encourages us through all of our miles. Love your video.
I have been listening to this bird for over 30 years! Yes that’s 30 years not knowing who say that song.. until today. My daughter loves your page and information on birds and filming. I home school and you’re our go to for birds(thank you). She found this video and this little angel of a bird. I can’t thank you enough ❣️
I can still remember the spot of woods I was in when I heard the hermit thrush singing for the first time and that was probably close to 15-20 years ago. Truly a beautiful, otherworldly song.
A most noble and gentle forest bird. I’ve been through my woods on darkened evenings and the hermit thrush has the most surreal and medieval song. Truly a pleasure to the soul.
This video is one of my favorites. From the absolutely beautiful song of the hermit thrush to the way you describe it in such lovely language, with your relaxing and pleasant speaking voice, I was completely taken with this video. It made me cry, actually- the calmest, most beautiful and placid thing I've seen for quite some time with all this mayhem going on around us. Thank you so much for that, Lesley. And I think the hermit thrush is a beautiful bird. It doesn't have to be flashy to be stunning in its own way.
This does my heart so good to read! I am very happy this video struck you in the way that it did. In this time that we are in, it is even more important I think to see the beauty that is still going on out there. It's a sweet escape that I'm more than happy to provide to people. :) By the way, I agree 100% the Hermit Thrush IS beautiful. Take care
They truly are a gift from God. This is my very favorite bird song. On one of my first backpacking trips we set up camp in a valley and it was the only bird that was singing.The echo of it’s ethereal song made me think I was in heaven! Thank you for making this video. I’ve been waiting for it. ❤️
I wait every spring for the first vocal appearance of the hermit thrush, and it is as thrilling each time I hear it as the first time I noticed it. Brings me to tears. I am in Southern Maine, on the edge of woods.
Was fortunate to have a wood thrush singing behind my place in a wooded lot.The sound is so pure with beautiful harmonies and an echo effect that sounds like you're deep in the forest. In the early morning hours I'd see him rummaging thru leafs at the edge of the lot while watering the lawn.Hung around a month and gone by July. What a treat!
We found 2 Hermit thrush nests on our property this summer. One nest had 3 young babies in it which were gone a couple of weeks later when I had time to check the nest. I hope they survived.
I've always heard this song and loved it and felt relaxed by it, at dusk, and I never knew what bird made it. I always said it sounds like water to me, like water flowing and playing in a brook or fountain. Turns out it is the state bird of Vermont, where I live.
Thrush song is by far my favourite. I've heard them camping in mixed deciduous woods in the Eastern Townships in Quebec. Transcendent! Thank-you for the insight.
Beautiful description of the song. It’s certainly a gift from God. I often wonder if the birds are praising the Lord with their songs. The Bible says that creation testifies of the power of God. “ For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that humans are without excuse. “ Romans 1:21
Just beautiful. When you walk in the woodlands and listen to the birds, it is so good for you, if anyone has depression I advise them to listen to birds, it will take all your troubles away from you.
This bird's call has stuck with me for over 25 years since the first time I heard it. I never knew who had made that sweet song all those years ago until today. Thank you Lesley. Thank you God.
I live in the woods and wait for the thrush every summer, their song almost seems in tune with the forest the way it echoes like no other, it is so soothing and magical.
The Varied thrush call was a childhood favourite in Coastal BC. But then later in life in the Boreal Forest I identified my first Hermit and Swainson's calls and fell utterly in love. The haunting, ethereal sound thrills and uplifts me every time and perfectly suits the majesty of a forest. I've only rarely seen them though, they move quickly through the undergrowth.
Absolutely stunning sounds. I am a Sound Engineer and truly appreciate the pure and clear songs these birds so joyfully sing. I could listen to them all day long.❤❤❤
Agree, although the Wood Thrush is slightly different but equally beautiful! I've yet to encounter a Swainson, but I'm guessing it fits right in with these!
Beautiful song! You're right, Lesley, their songs are a gift from God. Studies are showing that listening to bird songs in the morning give people a sense of peace, and helps people with depression and anxiety. That's a gift from God!
U r so right. They do have a beautiful sound. It’s so sad I live in a southern state, Florida n unfortunately I’ll never hear their beautiful songs. Thank u for educating me on the song bird song. I love ur videos. ♥️♥️😊👍
So enjoyed the video. Thanks. I live in upstate ny on the edge of a forest. A hermit thrush came to visit me the other day for 2 days outside my window. He liked the berries in the bush there. I have been writing poetry about grief, having lost my son a year and a half ago. I believe it was a sign...I have had many in the form of birds,... but this one is special. Thank you again
Thank you for introducing us to the hermit thrush. I thought they were just cute. Now i know what to listen for. Your words were lovely and well-said, they expressed very well my feelings for birds. Your videos have enriched my appreciation for them.
This year we were favored with a pair of hermit thrushes passing through early in the migration, followed by a pair of veerys the next week, and eventually wood thrushes that stayed to nest. I’ve seen the hermits and veerys passing through in past years, but this is the first time we’ve had resident wood thrushes. It is great to hear their song each morning and evening.
I came across the mesmerizing song of a hermit thrush while on a bird watch walk through the woods today and I searched for like an hour before actually spotting it. For such a drab bird it is so beautiful to watch it frolic around and sing this weirdly happy but strangely eerie song. Absolutely incredible.
What perfect timing! I'm a new birder, and I just discovered the Hermit Thrush yesterday here in my local forests in New England. I was walking around my usual trail, when suddenly my ears hooked onto a captivating song; I had to know what bird was making it! After close to an hour of searching, I finally found it perched on a branch midway up a tree, proudly filling a clearing with its song. A quick search on Merlin, and I had found my new favorite bird. Truly the siren of the forest. Thanks for the video Lesley!
I live in deep forest part of North Central Massachusetts, we are blessed to have these little musical birds all around us. Their song is so captivating to me, I could listen to them for hours.
I'm 57 and I never heard the song of the Hermit thrush before. I once read a mention of it in a poem, though. Thank you Lesley, you gave me a great joy and made my day.
I'm too far south for Hermit Thrust and your video made plain I am missing some sweet sounds. I think the Hermit Thrust is a handsome bird, l have seen them migrating 4 or more times in the past decades. Thanks for the video I really enjoyed it.
nice , we've been hearing these beautiful songs for years off in the forest behind our home , now we no what bird to watch for , we've learned so much from your channel , thank u
Over the years I've often heard this song near hollows, and small streams deep in the woods! Always wondered what kind of bird sang such an absolutely beautiful song ! Now I know !
Hermit Thrush yes, the most beautiful voice!! I could listen to them for hours!!
It was a gift from God. 😊
I remember decades ago discovering this bird. Though I had heard the song before and was mesmerized by the sound, I had not identified the bird. It was in the Redwoods in spring of 1992 while camping on the north coast of California. I took a walk into the Redwood forest when I heard this haunting songs near by. Slowly creeping off trail through wet ferns and Rhododendrons among the masive trees I followed the bird deeper into the woods. It had been raining and I was getting very wet during this hunt, wondering if it would be worth it. But an occasional flit of a shadow and a song kept me going. Suddenly I stopped my drive through the brush to notice I had entered a small clearing in the towering forest. On two sides of me were moss covered fallen giants, in front a thicket of Rhododendron many in bloom, the soft ground was green with moss and clover like plants with small ferns popping up everywhere. The sky had been grey all day and water dripped down from a hundred feet overhead, off the canopy of the great surrounding trees. Suddenly a beam of sunlight came down through the misty trees in a bright column and lit up the small clearing, the world turned brilliant green with sparkling diamonds dropping all around me. Just at that moment a tiny bird hopped out on to the top of the nearest fallen tree and began to sing in the sunshine, not ten feet from me. I nearly wept for the beauty of the moment which must have lasted less than a minute or two however, I’ve never forgotten it all these years latter. That little Hermit Thrush and I had a communion there for a while in the green cathedral and he was the choir.
It is a gift God.
So are you and all the avators you share with us.
Love for you.
Heard and admired for years,I never knew what bird sang this lovely haunting song. I can never get enough of this heavenly melody.
My husband and I are building a camp in Schroon NY and we hear this bird every day we are there! It’s absolutely beautiful. It starts singing at the crack of dawn and all day, right up until sundown. It is such a soothing sound especially after a rainfall 💕
These precious babies are ALL over my property where I live. I was able to befriend one of them last fall. I look forward to attracting him back this spring 🤎
It’s the sound of a walk in the woods!
We have wood thrush here in Ohio and oh how lovely they are. Every evening at dusk they sing their beautiful haunting song. I feel sad thinking of them flyng south in couple of months. I worry about them like they are my pets.
Best song bird ever created
This bird's song delights me down to the cockles of my heart.
i have sat in glades in the Sandia mountains in New Mexico and heard multiple hermit thrushes singing for hours. nothing like it
Another one of Gods glorious creation!
It is a gift from God. Thank you for making this video.
The hermit thrush song gives me similar feelings to the howling of a loon. So unique and alluring. ❤
they are a gift from God
I agree! For years I didn't know it's name, so I called it the Flute bird. It sounds heavenly to me.
I first heard something like a flute in my woods and later learned it was a thrush; I think it was a wood thrush because it only came in summer. But recently I was blessed to see a hermit thrush on our sumac tree and in our yard 😊
@Susan Dobson right?? That's what I was thinking!
This is lovely! Not only poets, but composers have celebrated this thrush's song, and no wonder. Thank you.
Can you mention any composers specifically? I've been recording local songbirds, and would love to hear music inspired by birdsong.
Amy Beach wrote two wonderful pieces inspired to this bird 🐦
Haunting, that is a great description! I heard this song through my youth in the woods, and you are right woods would not be the same without their music.
I was lucky to observe a Hermit Thrush nest with 3 chicks for almost a week in an Ontario park in July, 2021. I even made a video (using, for the first time, my new action cam) and posted it on YT. Now I'm trying to familiarize myself with this bird so that once I see it, I'll be able to identify it.
I have them in my forest around my home. I love the sound. I am in Michigan.
They are in Michigan
Who is that one person that disliked this
I live in Michigan too (the Holland-Zeeland area) and have heard all three of the birds (and the Veery) in the wooded parks not far from my home.
how lucky you are .
nature brings sweetness to life .
I have rifle birds in my garden and I live on the Sunshine Coast in Australia
I live in Michigan too and have a cabin in northern Michigan. There doesn't seem to be a word to describe they're beautiful song. It is ethereal! When I hear this call I think of the first time I ever heard one I see the woods!
During the summer in the Colorado high country I could listen to all day and never tire of the song of the Hermit Thrush. It's the sound that got me interested in birding initially. I love the sound of this bird.
You are absolutely right, dear Lesley - they truly are a gift from God as is all of beautiful nature! What an interesting story behind this cute little bird! Thank you for sharing it! I think they are adorable! I have always loved Robins and they are prevalent in Idaho where I grew up but I never knew they were also a Thrush! That's the thing about your videos, Lesley, they educate as well as delight the eyes!
Lesley needs a round of applause 👏 for making such wonderful videos. Her voice is angelic
You are right !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I agree
👏👏👏👏👏👏
My sister and I have been section hiking the Long Trail in Vermont. The hermit thrush, which I call the hiking bird, encourages us through all of our miles. Love your video.
I have been listening to this bird for over 30 years! Yes that’s 30 years not knowing who say that song.. until today. My daughter loves your page and information on birds and filming. I home school and you’re our go to for birds(thank you). She found this video and this little angel of a bird. I can’t thank you enough ❣️
I can still remember the spot of woods I was in when I heard the hermit thrush singing for the first time and that was probably close to 15-20 years ago. Truly a beautiful, otherworldly song.
Same with me! Winter , WI
A most noble and gentle forest bird. I’ve been through my woods on darkened evenings and the hermit thrush has the most surreal and medieval song. Truly a pleasure to the soul.
This video is one of my favorites. From the absolutely beautiful song of the hermit thrush to the way you describe it in such lovely language, with your relaxing and pleasant speaking voice, I was completely taken with this video. It made me cry, actually- the calmest, most beautiful and placid thing I've seen for quite some time with all this mayhem going on around us. Thank you so much for that, Lesley. And I think the hermit thrush is a beautiful bird. It doesn't have to be flashy to be stunning in its own way.
This does my heart so good to read! I am very happy this video struck you in the way that it did. In this time that we are in, it is even more important I think to see the beauty that is still going on out there. It's a sweet escape that I'm more than happy to provide to people. :) By the way, I agree 100% the Hermit Thrush IS beautiful. Take care
They truly are a gift from God. This is my very favorite bird song. On one of my first backpacking trips we set up camp in a valley and it was the only bird that was singing.The echo of it’s ethereal song made me think I was in heaven! Thank you for making this video. I’ve been waiting for it. ❤️
They sound magical🌬🧚♂️🧙♂️🦋🔮
amazing voice and I do love the chest colours
When these birds were made, they said, "Less color, more song!"
Yes, the song is beautiful.
more cow bell
It's because he cheated
I wait every spring for the first vocal appearance of the hermit thrush, and it is as thrilling each time I hear it as the first time I noticed it. Brings me to tears. I am in Southern Maine, on the edge of woods.
Was fortunate to have a wood thrush singing behind my place in a wooded lot.The sound is so pure with beautiful harmonies and an echo effect that sounds like you're deep in the forest. In the early morning hours I'd see him rummaging thru leafs at the edge of the lot while watering the lawn.Hung around a month and gone by July. What a treat!
We found 2 Hermit thrush nests on our property this summer. One nest had 3 young babies in it which were gone a couple of weeks later when I had time to check the nest. I hope they survived.
One of the best songs ever. Heavenly . I adore them. Very fortunate to hear them where i live.
I hear this call in Bear Valley, Point Reyes and on the trail to Limantour Beach. Always wondered what bird was making that attention getting call.
I'm in NE Ohio, I'm not 100% sure I've heard that song in the woods? I'll have to pay more attention....absolutely beautiful...
Love the Trush song! I could always hear them first as they search for insects under the leafs on forest floor. A beautiful bird
Listening to their song takes me back to childhood ❤️
How can a creature so small sound so beautiful 😍! 🐦
I've always heard this song and loved it and felt relaxed by it, at dusk, and I never knew what bird made it. I always said it sounds like water to me, like water flowing and playing in a brook or fountain. Turns out it is the state bird of Vermont, where I live.
Thrush song is by far my favourite. I've heard them camping in mixed deciduous woods in the Eastern Townships in Quebec. Transcendent! Thank-you for the insight.
Beautiful description of the song. It’s certainly a gift from God. I often wonder if the birds are praising the Lord with their songs. The Bible says that creation testifies of the power of God. “ For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that humans are without excuse. “ Romans 1:21
Beautiful! Thank you!
It is the most beautiful sound in the woods.
Just beautiful. When you walk in the woodlands and listen to the birds, it is so good for you, if anyone has depression I advise them to listen to birds, it will take all your troubles away from you.
Your description of the song of the Hermit Thrush is alluring, plaintive, haunting and heavenly.
This is a beautiful song indeed!😊
How many times I’ve heard this song throughout my life and had no idea that it was a Hermit Thrush. Magical and transcending notes and pitch.
The beautiful singing got my cat's attention and she was quite interested. Lovely bird and video! Thank you!
My cats are looking for them also!
Have not heard of these birds. Will have to go on a hike and see if we have them in Northeast Iowa!!
Thanks… when I hear the Hermit Thrush I am drawn to go deepee into the woods.
I love it when you let the beautiful bird have the last "word" for us to hear! Wonderful and instructive vid, as always, thank you
It is the high light of every spring.....I think it is the most haunting beautiful song.
This bird's call has stuck with me for over 25 years since the first time I heard it.
I never knew who had made that sweet song all those years ago until today.
Thank you Lesley.
Thank you God.
I live in the woods and wait for the thrush every summer, their song almost seems in tune with the forest the way it echoes like no other, it is so soothing and magical.
The Varied thrush call was a childhood favourite in Coastal BC. But then later in life in the Boreal Forest I identified my first Hermit and Swainson's calls and fell utterly in love. The haunting, ethereal sound thrills and uplifts me every time and perfectly suits the majesty of a forest. I've only rarely seen them though, they move quickly through the undergrowth.
Awesome, and you're right they do move quickly. Hard to spot but pretty neat when you do get to observe one.
Absolutely stunning sounds. I am a Sound Engineer and truly appreciate the pure and clear songs these birds so joyfully sing. I could listen to them all day long.❤❤❤
Unforgettable memories of this beautiful bird song on Long Island, NY.
Thank you, Lesley! Yes, the hermit thrush’s song is the most heavenly I’ve heard in this world! So beautiful and singular in the woodland
Agree, although the Wood Thrush is slightly different but equally beautiful! I've yet to encounter a Swainson, but I'm guessing it fits right in with these!
Takes me back to my childhood in the North Carolina mountains. Hearing these beautiful tones in the morning as the sun pushes away the fog.
I think Lesley has a beautiful voice!
Beautiful song! You're right, Lesley, their songs are a gift from God. Studies are showing that listening to bird songs in the morning give people a sense of peace, and helps people with depression and anxiety. That's a gift from God!
Thanks for delivering the voice of the hermit thrush to us, Lesley. That voice IS a gift from God!
U r so right. They do have a beautiful sound. It’s so sad I live in a southern state, Florida n unfortunately I’ll never hear their beautiful songs. Thank u for educating me on the song bird song. I love ur videos.
♥️♥️😊👍
Truly a beautiful melody to hear ❣️
So enjoyed the video. Thanks. I live in upstate ny on the edge of a forest. A hermit thrush came to visit me the other day for 2 days outside my window. He liked the berries in the bush there. I have been writing poetry about grief, having lost my son a year and a half ago. I believe it was a sign...I have had many in the form of birds,... but this one is special. Thank you again
Thank You for your beautiful video & your scrupulous searches to educate us. God Bless you Lesley
They are a gift from God as are you. Thank you. You have a gift.
Perfectly described!
Easily my favorite bird song. The fluting brings the forest alive in a way that’s hard to describe.
Thank you for introducing us to the hermit thrush. I thought they were just cute. Now i know what to listen for. Your words were lovely and well-said, they expressed very well my feelings for birds. Your videos have enriched my appreciation for them.
Beautiful singing
This year we were favored with a pair of hermit thrushes passing through early in the migration, followed by a pair of veerys the next week, and eventually wood thrushes that stayed to nest. I’ve seen the hermits and veerys passing through in past years, but this is the first time we’ve had resident wood thrushes. It is great to hear their song each morning and evening.
So cute Love all the songs he sings
I’m in Alaska. I often here them when I leave for work at 4 am in the summer. Fills me with joy
We have many heavily wooded small lots which allows lots of bird seeing. Our area gets these guys, and others. Love their speeches. Thanks!
I love this bird sound! I have always loved the veery. Ethereal and heavenly. God is amazing!
Beautiful sound
Just like going to the country without leaving home,thank you!😃👍
I came across the mesmerizing song of a hermit thrush while on a bird watch walk through the woods today and I searched for like an hour before actually spotting it. For such a drab bird it is so beautiful to watch it frolic around and sing this weirdly happy but strangely eerie song. Absolutely incredible.
The song gently tickles my heart with sweet music.
The wood thrush is beautiful. I also love the Lousiana Water Thrush. Incredible.
This is my favorite bird song ❤️ I love just sitting and listening to them!
What perfect timing! I'm a new birder, and I just discovered the Hermit Thrush yesterday here in my local forests in New England. I was walking around my usual trail, when suddenly my ears hooked onto a captivating song; I had to know what bird was making it! After close to an hour of searching, I finally found it perched on a branch midway up a tree, proudly filling a clearing with its song. A quick search on Merlin, and I had found my new favorite bird. Truly the siren of the forest. Thanks for the video Lesley!
I live in deep forest part of North Central Massachusetts, we are blessed to have these little musical birds all around us. Their song is so captivating to me, I could listen to them for hours.
It's a real treat when you hear a song and manage to see the singer!
Beautiful beautiful song thank you for this video
You're welcome
Always,Always look forward to their return late spring in the Northwoods of Michigan.
Beautiful!😊
Lovely video as always Lesley! Thank you for sharing it with us!💖👍👌😎JP
I'm 57 and I never heard the song of the Hermit thrush before. I once read a mention of it in a poem, though. Thank you Lesley, you gave me a great joy and made my day.
Thank you for a great video! I live in the woods and look forward every year to hearing the hermit thrush!! Their song is my favorite!
I'm too far south for Hermit Thrust and your video made plain I am missing some sweet sounds. I think the Hermit Thrust is a handsome bird, l have seen them migrating 4 or more times in the past decades.
Thanks for the video I really enjoyed it.
Had one here in North Florida for a couple months last winter! Sure do miss him! Hope he comes back
Thirty years ago I lived in a tent one summer,this is what I woke up to almost every morning.Even now I miss it.
Hearing a wood thrush in a forest is magic...the sound folds and flows through the forest.
I love the hermit thrush . It is truly a gift of God. Thank you for sharing
nice , we've been hearing these beautiful songs for years off in the forest behind our home , now we no what bird to watch for , we've learned so much from your channel , thank u
Absolutely wonderful presentation!!! Thank you so much Lesley!!😊😊❤❤
Cool birds Lesley!!!🌿
Over the years I've often heard this song near hollows, and small streams deep in the woods! Always wondered what kind of bird sang such an absolutely beautiful song ! Now I know !