The Green-tailed Towhee is one of the least well-known of all North American birds. As a result of its secretive nature and its tendency to spend most of its time on the ground in shrubby habitat we know very little of its life history or ecology. Most of our knowledge of its natural history comes from anecdotal observations and even those are extremely limited. There are major gaps in our knowledge of the Green-tailed Towhee.
They have been one of my nemesis birds for years. Back in 1969 the Green-tailed Towhee was my field project study species when I took the college ornithology class that began my almost life-long interest in birds so I’ve been trying to get decent photos of them ever since I took up bird photography. And I have failed miserably, largely due to their aforementioned secretive nature.
1/2000, f/5.6, ISO 640, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light
But they do spend some time calling on higher perches during breeding season and three days ago I was able to catch this one calling and displaying on top of a juniper in the Stansbury Mountains. I like the good look at the namesake green tail with the erected red cap.
This is an image that I would normally never post – the crop is too large for great detail and the angle on the bird is steep. But I was so happy to finally get a few acceptable shots of the species that I had to share my excitement.
Ron
Yesterday I got an incredible view of one in a canyon adjacent to my home. And I didn’t have my camera with me. Went up in the evening and saw him again and got a few good shots! Lots of singing going on!
I’ve seen them in that canyon other years also.
Hi Ron, I thought I heard one of these this morning out by Craner Peak on the west shore of the GSL. Looked and Looked, but couldn’t spot it. It’s great to come home and see one on your blog!
Every time I see one of these birds it is in a spot that I did not expect it, including my backyard in SLC. They are lovely. Thank you.
I’m with Wally!! You are too critical of yourself, Ron: this is a shot most of us would give anything (except our shutter finger) to get!
Hi Ron,
That is a sensational photo.
How wonderful. Have you and Mia stopped smiling yet? (and a stunning bird too)
A great picture (as always) of one of my favorite birds, Ron!
Here in southern OR they are a mountain bird and we birders view them as a signs of Spring. I just saw my first-of-season two days ago, so I was pleased to see your very pleasnt reminder. Thanks!
Cheers,
Dick
Ron:
I’m a “wanna-be” bird photographer who loves your photography and your blog. I noticed you follow the blog of Mia McPhearson so took a look at that site. It seems to me that the same image of the Towhee appears there under her copyright. Not sure what to make of that but I swear it looks like the same image, in two places, each watermarked with their respective copyrights. I’m just sayin’ …..
Now, I’ve got to get back to saving for a 500 mm F4 lens.
Gary
That brought a smile to my face, Gary. It is almost the same photo but not quite. Mia is my best friend and constant shooting companion. She’s always shooting out of the back seat of my pickup (as she was the day of the towhee) so it’s not unusual for us to get similar images and occasionally they’re almost identical. I’ve often mentioned on my blog that we shoot together but it’s been a while since I’ve said anything about it. Good eye, Gary!
Whew! That’s a relief … and explains the similarities between your sites. I’m a newcomer so was unaware. Now I have yet another photographer who’s work I’ll have to learn from. Best to both of you.
What a beautiful bird! I remember as a kid in Washington State looking up a bird I had never seen at our bird feeder before and being delighted to find the most remarkable name of a Rufous Sided Towhee. Now you’ve got me wanting to look up how many kinds of Towhees there are! What a great feeling you must have had being able to capture this!
You’re right, Cindy – it felt great to get that shot, shortcomings and all.
Awesome! Never seen one, Ron – this is very special. Thanks for posting it. I can only imagine your delight…
I don’t see them very often either, Louise. I’m now inspired to try harder with them.
Congratulations on getting this photo. We have green-tailed towhees at Hueco Tanks, but I have yet to see one, let alone photograph it. This photo gives me a much better idea of what to look for than any of the bird book photos. Thanks for posting this.
Thanks, Susan. When you’re looking for them, the green on the tail usually isn’t as noticeable as it is in this shot – keep that in mind.
Yep, I almost had to avert my eyes due to the cropping and angle! LOL! Would give my eye teeth for such a shot! What a beautiful bird! Sure hope to see one some day!
Hope your weekend is terrific, Ron!
I hope you get to see one sometime, Wally. Up close would be even better but that doesn’t happen very often. Thank you for the nice comment.
Excellent job Ron, great shot!
Thanks, Dick.
Fantastic photo – You must be delighted Ron.
I am, Paul. Next time I’d like to be closer though…
Congratulations Ron !
Thank you, John.
He is super! I’ve never seen one so I thank you so much for posting this!
I’m glad you like it, Sharon. Thanks.
Congrats Ron! Beautiful photo of a beautiful bird! I had the good fortune of seeing on in Arizona!
Not a lot of folks have seen them, Nancy. Good for you!