In July of 2013 I photographed one of North America’s least known birds. Though they’re fairly common in some of their limited breeding range very little is known of their ecology and life history because of their secretive nature – they spend most of their time on the ground in thick, shrubby habitats.
1/1600, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
I found this singing male atop a shrub (serviceberry?) in Bountiful Canyon along Skyline drive (I’ve posted other images of this bird in the past but this one is new to my blog). Their shy behavior changes briefly when breeding males become more conspicuous as they sing their diverse song from elevated perches. Their song can be heard here if you have the interest.
I like the singing pose, the excellent eye contact and the raised red cap. The greens of the tail and wings can be seen here but they’re more conspicuous in some other poses.
I’m lucky because in their limited breeding range one of the areas where they’re most common is northeastern Utah, near where I live. That means I at least have a chance to catch one out in the open occasionally.
My world has been dreary, cold and white for so long that I needed a little dose of summer greenery and springtime bird behavior this morning and this image seemed to fit the bill. I hope others enjoy my fleeting reprieve from the bleakness.
Ron
I’m so glad you captured this bird. I have never seen it. The Calif. Towhee looks so different. I like the colorful tale, and even a bit of green around its eye. I looked up the bird’s call. Very nice!
Nice shot of a difficult to find bird!
What a wonderful treat it must have been to hear that bird sing! Such a variety of sweet sounds!!!
I always love the links to sound. It brings birds I will probably never see into the room with me and messes with our cats minds. (Queue evil laughter).
I am so glad that this elusive charmer allowed you to take his portrait. Paparazzi to the birds…
I try to provide those sound links whenever appropriate, EC – but sometimes I do forget.
I love the idea of a bird Papa Razzi …
Me too. And Ron fills the bill.
HAHAHA! Just had the same thing happen! Played their calls and both our cats crouched into the room on high alert trying to figure out what was making the noise!
There is just something about catching a songbird mid song, that is one of my favorite poses! Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow this week, so spring is right around the corner!
I was lucky enough to have one visit my garden! Only once that I’ve seen tho & it was early spring right after a snow storm. I think the weather brought him in?? Of course, I didn’t get a photo anywhere near the quality of yours.
Any day’s a good one that includes a Green-tailed Towhee, Kathleen – good photo or not.
Another superb photograph! An occasional migrant is reported in Florida but I’ve never seen one. Beautiful song, thank you for the link.
Thanks very much, Wally.
Beautiful shot, beautiful little bird….nice to see the green, not only on bird but also on bush. We’ve had a weird winter…only getting our second real snow today (and it will start melting tomorrow). When climate/weather gets so cockeyed, I worry about the whole food source (bugs, berries, seeds, etc.)bird relationship being thrown off kilter…with potentially dire consequences……
Absolutely Patty. That’s been on my mind for quite some time. The climate change deniers just aren’t paying attention to what’s happening in The Great Out There!
I have the same concerns, Patty. And many more…
Thanks for taking the time to include a link to their songs. My cats appreciate it, too :-).
I read your comment while I was out shooting this morning, Linda. Your cat reference made me smile.
That’s a new bird for me and what a beauty! Its colors are just amazing. How splendid that you get to see that little towhee, even if it’s just occasionally! What a joy!
I’m with you–I’m ready for spring. Here in what they call the southern tier of upstate New York (what the heck does that mean?), it’s been extraordinarily warm. So warm that I’ve hunted my birds three or four times a week. This time last year, the average temperature dragged on in the low teens.
The Cornell redtail hawks are doing their nesting/mating thing (although still deciding which nest they’ll use this year). Mariah, my redtail hawk (who is no more mine than the air I breathe), is just as hormonal and randy. For the first time in several years (since her crash into a glass wall that blinded her right eye), she’s imploring me to finally step up and act like a proper mate, displaying every morning. And every morning, I remind her that I’m a lousy redtail hawk. Her hopes spring eternal. By feeding time in the afternoon, she’s exasperated with my lack of response and demands that I hand over the food right this second then dismisses me with zeal and disgust at a level far beyond that of Queen (Bloody) Mary of yore–off with your head!
There’s even hope for Skye (the Kestrel). Sparrows and starlings are streaming back from their migration.
Unlike Utah where your chances of sunshine are far greater, this area will remain mostly dreary, but spring can’t be far away!
Love your updates on “your” birds, Laura. Mariah sounds like she needs a little something that you can’t provide…
My friend falconer, Jim, raised a Great Horned Owl named Winston.who became enamored of Him. When Jim declined to become Winston’s mate, Winston tried to bite Jim’s finger off and has hated Jim ever since.(.Hell hath no fury like a GHO scorned!.). It is fun to “hoot talk” to that owl because he hoots back and answers you. I painted a portrait. of him and had some cards made from the original….about two dozen of which I thoughtlessly gave to Jim……He acted as if he liked them, but iit was probably a lie….
Neat story, Patty.
Thus far, that hasn’t happened with Mariah, Patty, but I do go in and touch her back, which causes her to hunker down and move her tail to the side. In other words, I TRY to make her feel a little better while also being a lousy mate (not bringing sticks and stuff like that). Most years, she ignores be beyond her royal dismissals. I know when she gets all hormonal. She shoots me a look that I recognize. I’ve GIVEN that look. You know the one. “Leave the wine/chocolate (quail), back up and no one will get killed.” That look! It amazes me that male falconers don’t get it, but then again… 😀
Part of your comment gave me a much needed guffaw, Laura. I absolutely loved it!
😀 It’s good to laugh, but that’s TRUE!! 😀
Thank you for this beautiful summery post! I would so love to see one of these someday.
I’m always looking out for them during spring and summer, Sharon, but I sure don’t see them often and when I do they nearly always scurry into deep thickets.
Great shot Ron! Season’s are changing earlier and earlier – yours will as well.
Can you believe it, Vermont has started maple syrup production the earliest ever – temps in the 50 yesterday! Does that mean we’ll have a hotter than ever summer?
I have Bluebirds checking boxes – little do they know that March can be real tough!
“Vermont has started maple syrup production the earliest ever”
I read a report about that this morning, Dick. Pretty shocking, actually.
I envy you your bluebirds. I have my best luck with our Mountain Bluebirds in Montana so it’s a long drive for me to reliably photograph them.
What a beautiful bird and pose you captured! 🙂 We got rid of some of the “white stuff” a.k.a. Chinook, but the wind is bad and not very warm! I’m also ready for spring tho blooming houseplants help!
Thanks, Judy. I remember both the agony and the ecstasy of those chinooks very well!
What a handsome fellow. I enjoyed the reminder that the seasons will change.
“I enjoyed the reminder that the seasons will change”
I hope you’re right about that, Arwen. Beginning to wonder…
Simply beautiful Ron…thank you 🙂
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Zaphir. Thanks.