Since the top-dog at the Pittsburgh Avairy was stumped, I doubt anyone here can ID the bird but I thought I would give it a shot.

I saw a group of birds twice during the spring while walking my dog that I've never seen in MI before. I'm sure they were just passing through our area. They were about 7" long as I recall and all brown with just one easily spotted marking . . . a large white circle on their back between their wings. I thought with markings like that I would be able to find them in no time in the bird books - but I didn't. I never could get close enough to ID their beak, etc. As soon as I would get within 30 yards or so they would take off. Every bird in the flock had the same markings both times I saw them.

The bird-man in Pittsburgh said to send him a picture. Yah, right. Like I carry a camera while walking the dog.

 

Couldn't find anything like that in my bird guides. Sorry. I thought maybe it was a grosbeak or towhee, but doesn't sound like it.

 

Haven't checked my bird books, but guessing:

Killdeer?

What is the prize for a correct guess?

 

Was there a white dot in the middle of the circle? Sounds like a Garylarsonduckbill birdy.

 

Dave, that reminds me I have some cool shots from the National Aviary.

 

Tee hee!

 

Not even close, we get those. In fact, we have grosbeck's all the time.

 

They hang around lakes, I know's them....

As for the prize. Hum, I'll have to consult the award committee.

 

Love his cartoons but I never saw one in there like these.

 

Birdman thought it might be a thrush. I know they seem to come in all sizes, shapes, and colors. Maybe the bird people said, "If you are not sure what it is, call it something-something-thrush."

The white spot on their back was about the size of half-dollar and it was on every one of the them, so I don't think it was a male/female thing.