Call it a Bicknell's Thrush

Here is a series of pictures of our first (and maybe only) Bicknell's Thrush that we caught on the 29th Sept. This species is almost caught annually here but never in high numbers. Since 1994, the highest season total for them is only 4. And during that same time frame, they were missed on three different years. That said, we don't average many, roughly 1.5 a season. So it is always a sought after bird here, and for many other places for that matter.
Separating out Bicknell's from Gray-cheeked Thrushes can be extremely hard. It is only under prefect conditions can one safely separate them out in the field during migration. For banders however, we have the opportunity to carefully examine the bird and make the call much easier. One of the differences is the tail coloration. In Bicknells, the tail has a chestnut color to it that should contrast with the back color. In Gray-cheeks, the back and tail should appear as the same color. Also, Bicknells tend to have a "warmer" overall color (more red/brown tones to it). Gray-cheeks, more of a darker "colder" color. Also, the bill is a bit helpful. In Bicknells, the yellow on the bill "usually" extends 1/2 up the bill or more. in Gray-cheeks, it is "usually" less than half way up. Another, but hard to gage, difference is the leg/toe color. Yes, sounds crazy, but there is a difference. And the most helpful of all (and this is really only for banders) is that Bicknells are a bit small in size (wing length is helpful here). This bird had a wing chord of 89mm, which is too small for a Gray-cheek. There is also some differences in particular individual flight feather measurements (but this is a bit technical). But lets just say this, it is easier to ID a Bicknells in the hand, but with that said, not all Bicknells can be safely separated out from Gray-cheeks!
Isn't birding fun!?!?!