Hi everyone! Swainsons Thrush here with some exciting news: 梆v梗 been selected as 91做厙 Washingtons 2026 Bird of the Year!
First, a big wing-flap of appreciation to my fellow nominees: the American Barn Owl, Common Nighthawk, and Leachs Storm-Petrel. Each of them would have made an incredible spokesbird, and 梆m honored to take on this role on behalf of us all.
As a hemispheric traveler, I rely on safe stopover habitats and abundant food sources throughout my long journey. 梆m especially fond of salmonberries and I time my return to the Pacific Northwest with their ripening. Listen for my distinctive, spiraling song on summer evenings, and 聆棗喝l梭 know 梆m back in town.
While 梆m currently wintering down south, 聆棗喝l梭 still be seeing plenty of me online in the months ahead. 梆l梭 be sharing stories about 91做厙 Washingtons conservation work and inviting you to get involved in protecting the birds and places we all depend on. My mission as Bird of the Year is simple: build awareness, inspire action, and spotlight what birds and people need to thrive.
Thank you to everyone who voted and to all who work year-round to protect us. As my first campaign, I'd like to encourage you to support the bills for birds that are currently active in the Washington State legislature. Please go to our and speak up for birds!
