Thousands Of Whistling Varied Thrush Are A Welcome Sound Of Spring Here In Alaska

If you've been longing to hear the familiar sounds of spring, the varied thrush have begun to appear all over Alaska in the last couple of weeks. You'll hear their familiar whistling that ushers in the coming warm weather, and beckons you outside.

If you've been waiting for spring, this is one of the loveliest indicators that the seasons have officially changed.

The snow is melting, the temperature is rising, and the varied thrush are headed back up to Alaska. They are one of the very first robins that you'll spot at the end of winter.

Although some of these birds do spend the water in Alaska communities, most migrate south.

You'll find them hanging around Alaska during the milder winters, when there is plenty of food available.

The varied thrush are some of the first animals that you will see out and about this season.

Usually they arrive in the southern most parts of Alaska in early April. You'll find them all the way up in Shageluk by late April.

Their summer breeding grounds are all over the state.

You can find them in the Brooks Range, and all the way west to the Aleutian Islands.

Their distinctive whistling starts when they've hit their breeding ground.

If they have wintered over in Alaska, you'll hear their whistle when they can sense spring is coming. Their song truly is the triumphant sound of spring returning.

You know its their whistle when you hear a long, buzzy, one note tone.

These whistles are punctuating by long pauses. It's a very distinctive song, and it's the perfect start to spring.

It's hard not to love a bird that signals the end of an Alaskan winter.

Keep aware of your surroundings, and whe you get to hear their lovely song, make sure to celebrate! Summer is officially on its way.

Do you look forward to the varied thrush each year? Do you ever spot them in your yard? Let us know in the comments below!

If you're looking for some great spots to check out incredible bird migrations in this state, read more about The 7 Birding Hotspots In Alaska You Need To Visit This Spring.Y