I've taken the same route through the woods,with the dog for about the past five years but this morning I saw a fleeting glimpse of a bird that I don't recall seeing before.
It flew up from under a holly bush at about 45 degrees, it was so fast that I was unable to get many details but here is what I did not within about 4 seconds : a rich Rufus brown, like cinnamon or coconut (darker than the oak and chestnut leaves on the floor.
It was about 10 feet away when it flew up and I could hear the rapid wing beats, wings fairly short and rapid. Neck short and I'd say, the main body was about the size of a coconut.
I have one or two ideas about what it was but I'll keep the to myself for the time-being, so's not to lead anyone away "from the scent".
If any birders would like to throw any ideas into the pot about what it might be , I would be grateful.
Thanks...
Agree with melv, you sure it was Holly and not a Pear Tree? https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT9qvBFL4CxSwq6_CN6q4rmdrBjr9ntr5j4DzNW-63-s9FscuvNOA