Hello-I was wondering if anyone could suggest the identity of the amazing songster I heard yesterday.  I was out cleaning the paddock when I heard an unfamiliar song--it didn't repeat or have any pattern that I could discern.  At that point I started searching for it.  It was quite backlit in the bright sun--but it seems to be the size and shape of a slender grackle-with a longer beak.  I could just make out some stripes on the breast.  The song was amazing-reminded me of the lyre bird-it kept changing, and I'm certain I heard it say "ribbit" as if it was mimicking a frog! 

 

After perusing the MOU birds of Minnesota list I have settled on brown thrasher as a possible identity for this bird.  When it flew away I saw a reddish brown back and wings, low, swooping flight like a woodpecker.  Does anyone have any other suggestions? I'm new to Minnesota so this is just a guess!

 

Danielle McLaughlin

Washington County