Blane Klemek: This beautiful thrush makes very rare appearances in Minnesota While observing a varied thrush in Minnesota is exceedingly rare, it’s likely made rarer by the fact that this species has declined by as much as 75% since 1966, according to the North American Breeding Survey. Written By: Blane Klemek | × A varied thrush perches on a rock. (Flickr photo by Larry Miller) It’s been over 25 years since I’ve seen a species of thrush that few of us ever see. In fact, it doesn’t breed or nest here at all, yet this interesting and attractive wild bird shows up in Minnesota on rare occasions. Each and every year reports from all corners of the state confirm it.