Getting up early

Birding is about a lot of things, among other things it is about getting up early. Today we got up early and hitched a ride out to see a Dark-throated Thrush just north of Stockholm, in Vallentuna. We arrived there just around first light and were quickly rewarded with an appearance.

The bird was hanging out around a bird feeder in suburban neighborhood and we weren't the only ones who had showed up. In fact there was a small crowd gathered just opposite someones garden, binos and telescopes ready.

I guess the guy living in the house was not too pleased to see us when he entered the kitchen in the morning to make coffee and breakfast. On the other hand the Dark-throated Thrush is a rare guest in Sweden, so I guess it's the only time he has to endure it. ;-)


Black-throated Thrush -- Svarthalsad trast -- Schwarzkehldrossel -- Grive à gorge noire -- Turdus (ruficollis?) atrogularis

PS: (Note by Claudia) I am a little confused about the taxonomy here. In Avibase it says that this taxon is considered a full species, but sometimes also a subspecies to the Dark-throated thrush. Any help anyone?