I love me some Spotted Towhees which frequently hang out in our backyard. We often hear them scrabbling through the mulch and leaves as they jump forward and scratch backward with both feet, and over the last two summers they nested in the yard which meant we also got to hear the juveniles making their raspy cries for their parents. Spotted Towhees have a high entertainment value.
These images were taken within days of each other last October and might possibly be the same bird. The only thing I know for sure is that they are not-great images! But what better way to celebrate Twofer Tuesday than with two poor photos of the same subject?
This first one is woefully out of focus but we still get the the slightly punk rock attitude with those ruffled head feathers and red eye.
The second photo gives us a lovely view of the towhee’s back along with a glimpse of its underside. You know, to help with identification. HA. Mostly, it’s a nice shot of our deteriorating timbers and weed-choked pavers.
My mother-in-law once told Zippy that Spotted Towhees were her favorite bird (but then thanks to her memory issues, she promptly forgot that statement.) No matter, I remember and every time I see one, I think of Alice. Sweet-sweet-teeeeaaa.
Tracy Abell 
I owe towhees a debt of gratitude — it was seeing them in my backyard on a snowy day that compelled me to dig out my bird book and figure out what the heck they were. Thanks. towhees!
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They are so interesting and I know that people frequently think they’re robins and then think, “But, wait…”
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Maybe my favorite bird. Sometimes when I walk along the trails, the only sound that accompanies me is their ‘drink your tea’. I love your ‘punk rock’ comment. Suits those wonderful little creatures.
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A wonderful bird, for sure. Last summer it felt like a constant refrain of their different songs and I’m definitely open to another Summer of Towhees. 🙂
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Fabulous little punk birds! I love them. 🙂
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Hi Lesley! May the towhees continue to share their attitudes with us. 🙂
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Right on! 😀
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I’ve mentioned before that I love them too. Always fun to see them about! Great pictures! They can be hard to photograph! In my experience, they’re either in dark shade or won’t stay still long enough.
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YES to towhee love! They never fail to bring a smile, for sure. And I agree they’re not the easiest subjects to photograph. Busy little creatures, they are.
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