Towhee Trifecta

Left-Click to Enlarge Pictures

My day started at Sabine Woods hoping to find the Green-Tailed Towhee spotted and photographed the previous day by Kelley Sampeck and Cody Conway. After about an hour, I rounded the corner and couldn't believe my eyes. An Eastern Towhee and a Green-Tailed Towhee were sitting side by side in the same tree.

This is the boy I was hoping to find. A first for me. He was partially hidden in the tree but in the open enough to get a picture. He didn't hang around long and vanished as fast as he appeared. Thanks for the heads-up Kelley and Cody!

The Eastern Towhee ddn't hang around long and made a quick departure.

On my return trip home I stopped at Peveto Woods. Devin Bosler informed me a Spotted Towhee was in the woodlot. The Birding Gods were with me as the Spotted Towhee made his debut.

Another picture of the Review List Spotted Towhee. A second first for the day. Thanks Devin!

It was challenging to get a picture of a Nelson's Sparrow. They popped up, flew off and landed back low in the dense grass. Fortunately one peeked up long enough for a picture. A third first for the day.

Another Nelson's Sparrow that cooperated.

A Grasshopper Sparrow happened to be at the Wetland Walkway on my way home along with a couple of Juncos. Lo and behold a fourth first for the day. Perhaps I should go home and hit the casinos?

A Junco perched on a limb with its feathers fluffed out in the cold morning chewing on a piece of grass was quite stunning.

A Flicker flew up and posed for his portrait.

Swamp Sparrows were about during the day.

And Field Sparrows as well.

This whitish Red-Talied Hawk sitting atop a utility pole was cool looking.

This Red-Shouldered Hawk was equally worth the stop in order to get its photo.

All in all it was a great day to be out and one of the best birding days ever!