Bicknell’s Thrush Tour – Mt. Washington Auto Road

Bicknell’s Thrush is an extremely rare species with very limited breeding grounds. It is the rarest and most secretive of the breeding thrushes in North America and it is the only bird whose breeding is restricted to the Northeastern part of the continent. They usually breed at higher elevations, normally nesting above 3,000 ft. The unique yet harsh climate is just what the birds prefer due to the combination of low vegetation and abundant moisture, and the Mt. Washington Auto Road offers visitors a unique opportunity to view these rare birds.

The Bicknell’s Thrush Guided Tours leave early in the morning before the Mt. Washington Auto Road opens to the general public to ensure there is as little additional noise or disturbance as possible. The success rate at hearing and seeing this elusive thrush is quite good, but with the species in decline due to wintering habitat losses, there can be no guarantee of sightings.

Advanced reservations required.

Tours depart from the base of the Mt. Washington Auto Road at 6 a.m. (Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to departure). Tours last approximately 2 hours.