Regarding the GCTH at the ridge, I think there is a strong possibility they were Bicknell's but obviously cannot conclude it.  There were two birds well seen by myself and two other birders; I tried to point out some of the field marks to look for.  I did not even comment on wing primary projections, as I could not really see anyhting noteworthy about this (although it is mentioned as a potentil field mark).  Despite being seen at close range (40-50 feet), all birders noted that the birds appeared to be very small for a thrush.  We watched for several minutes as they foraged (together) in a vine tangle and the foliage of trees about 20-25 feet from the ground.  Although these thrushes are noted for foraging near the ground, I have seen Catharus sp. of thrushes foraging in the foliage and canopy of trees during migration, often eating fruits (mulberries, cherries and grapes).  Both were obviously of the gray-cheeked thrush group - with no distinct eye ring, gray cheeks, uniform gray-brown color tone on the back of head, back, secondaries and tail.  One bird may have been a HY bird with a trace of a wing bar, and was less brown.  The other one was a solid warm brown tone in the back and elsewhere, and was not red or rusty toned.  They both seemed to be more brown on average than what I expect for GCTH, so I think they may have been Bicknell's - but won't call it so.  Both were silent the whole time.

Cheers!
Jeff Shenot
Croom MD