One of the most difficult birds to attract to Georgia bird feeders during the winter is the hermit thrush.  I have been trying to do so for years.  In comparison, I have a good friend that hosts this handsome thrush most winters.  Let’s explore some of the reasons why hermit thrushes avoid most of our yards.

       Limited information suggests that hermit thrushes wintering in residential areas inhabit yards that have an abundance of vegetation and are adjacent to wooded areas.  Berries are the hermit thrush’s primary winter food, consequently yards and nearby woodlands that have trees and shrubs that bear fruits and berries that persist in the winter, are more likely to be used by hermit thrushes than those without them.

       Some the best sources of the thrush’s winter food include cedars, junipers, pokeberry, native hollies, hackberries, grapes, and mistletoe.   While fruits and berries are the hermit thrush’s favorite foods, they will eat insects found in leaf litter.  Consequently, leave dried leaves beneath your trees and shrubs.     

Blog follower, Ron Lee attracts Hermit Thrush

       Hermit thrushes will feed at elevated feeders. However, they prefer to eat food found on the ground.  The birds will dine on dried fruits, mixed seeds, suet, and bird puddings.

      Ron Lee has attracted more hermit thrushes than anybody I know. He is convinced that his success attracting these secretive birds is his wife Jennie’s cornbread. The birds love it so much they will appear out of nowhere whenever he goes outside to feed them.  Some hermit thrushes like it so much, they will feed at his feed while he is scattering food.

     Hermit thrushes will often visit bird baths and avoid food.

    Hermit thrushes will join roaming flock’s kinglets, chickadees, and other birds.  With that in mind, closely study any of these flocks that pass through your yard.

    With a little good fortune, perhaps a hermit thrush will find its way to your backyard this winter.