Brown Thrash & possible Philadelphia Vireo - Denver Botanic Gardens (Denver)

[Jared Del Rosso]

Chris Rurik and I both birded the Gardens this morning. A Brown Thrasher was around during the 9 a.m. hour. It was surprisingly gregarious, perching and foraging among us and some robins. This was along the western edge of the Gardens -- between the Cheesman gate and the pond near the plains exhibit. It seemed to me to have hidden away pretty well by 10. 

Also on the western edge was a vireo. It was foraging near that same pond, close to the walking bridge over the "creek" that connects the prairie pond to the pond in the Japanese Garden. I took it for a Warbling Vireo, but Chris took some longer, more careful views and noticed dark lores and yellow on the throat. I snapped some photos before the bird flew into Cheesman. Neither of us could relocate it. We have the photos out to a few other birders for review, but if you'd like to take a look and provide some input, the photographs are here. 

On Friday and Saturday, the Gardens will be very busy with their annual fall plant and bulb sale. The people watching may be excellent, but the bird watching probably won't be. 

- Jared Del Rosso
Denver, CO

[Chris Rurik]

Thanks to all who helped with feedback. Jury's strongly in favor of Philadelphia Vireo.

Chris Rurik

Denver, CO