̽����ѡ

Hi everyone! Swainson’s Thrush here with some exciting news: ��’v�� been selected as ̽����ѡ Washington’s 2026 Bird of the Year! 

First, a big wing-flap of appreciation to my fellow nominees: the American Barn Owl, Common Nighthawk, and Leach’s Storm-Petrel. Each of them would have made an incredible “spokesbird,” and ��’m honored to take on this role on behalf of us all. 

As a hemispheric traveler, I rely on safe stopover habitats and abundant food sources throughout my long journey. ��’m especially fond of salmonberries and I time my return to the Pacific Northwest with their ripening. Listen for my distinctive, spiraling song on summer evenings, and ��dz�’l�� know ��’m back in town. 

While ��’m currently wintering down south, ��dz�’l�� still be seeing plenty of me online in the months ahead. ��’l�� be sharing stories about ̽����ѡ Washington’s conservation work and inviting you to get involved in protecting the birds and places we all depend on. My mission as Bird of the Year is simple: build awareness, inspire action, and spotlight what birds and people need to thrive.