Varied Thrush near Carmody Park cooperates today for the Christmas Count!

[Joe Roller]

The private yard it visits is within Scott Somershoe's Christmas Count

section, and Scott saw it within 2 minutes of arriving about 8 AM. Two other 

birders had the same experience at 2:30 and at 3:50.

This handsome male is probably easier to see now, as the snow piles

that previously blocked the view are like the Wicked Witch of the West - melted.

The homeowner has set up reasonable guidelines for visiting. Once these guidelines

were set up, birders have been respectful of the bird and the attractive yard.

Guidelines for viewing Varied Thrush near Carmody Park, Lakewood, Jefferson Co.

A male Varied Thrush has been visiting a birder's backyard since Dec 7.

I spoke with the friendly and knowledgable homeowner to ask permission for birders

to try to view the thrush and learn what the "ground rules" are.

The thrush is secretive and skittish, and often not in view. Mornings at 8 or 9 seem like

decent times to try, but there is no real pattern, and it has been seen in late afternoon too.

He is OK with birders parking in a cul-de-sac to view his back yard. It's best to stay in your car.

He does not want his address mentioned, but permits street directions to that cul-de-sac, from which the yard is visible.

From Morrison Rd and S Holland St: 

north on Holland then left on West Auburn Ave.

Right on S Hoyt St and immediately take the next right into a cul de sac. (Avoid the other cul de sac

at the north end of S Hoyt St). 

Park and wait. Look under the feeders.

Please resist the temptation to walk over to the fence, as that spooks 

the bird for you and others. Note that angles for photos are not perfect,

so don't expect too much. Birders who park and stay in the cars have seen the bird on most recent attempts.

Please note that the thrush is NOT at Carmody Park, just near it. eBirders have

used Carmody Park as a location, at the homeowner's request.

Good luck!

Joe Roller, Denver