The Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina)

The dappled rectangles of sun
Shine through the stained glass leaves,
Ripple on the beech and poplar pillars,
Brighten the mossy floor
Dotted with fern and violet,
While angels sing above unseen.

Welcome back, wood thrush! This bird is hard to see, but easy to hear! They arrive from the south in April, and I know they have returned because I suddenly start hearing their song--"Ee-oh-lay!". It is repeated several times here, flute-like, sweet and joyful. The nesting pairs need a lot of woods, and I recorded this in the big park near my home. I've also heard them near my back yard, which abuts on another large wooded area. I've only seen them once or twice--and then only briefly.