LIFE'S BETTER IN THE MOUNTAINS

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Just Sittin' and Singin' on the Mailbox Post

I heard him as I drove up the street towards our house.  Not unusual since we are blessed with many Towhee nests along our quiet street.  And they have easy-to-recognize songs.  In fact, there is a towhee nest under one of our holly bushes.  When we walk the dogs in the mornings, we see as many as five Towhees on the berms along the street and hear even more of them in the woods.  As I approached the driveway I saw him sitting on top of our mailbox post just singing his little heart out.  He didn't move even when I pulled into the driveway.

I ran into the house to get the camera.  (You can click to enlarge photographs.)


When I came out of the garage he was still sitting there.





As I walked towards him he turned to look right at me.  I was certain he would fly away.





But he simply turned around and resumed his delightful tune.





He knows I'm standing there.





Finally he stopped singing and I knew he wouldn't remain there much longer.

He flew into the nearby trees.  I couldn't see him but he immediately continued singing.  What an unexpected treat!  We often go looking for birds but it is much more thrilling to find a favorite bird when you aren't even looking.  I smiled the rest of the day.

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wonderful series of photos! We have the Spotted Towhee here. Also a beautiful red-eyed bird.

Ms. A said...

Fantastic shots! Those eyes.

KB said...

That is a wonderful series of photos of a gorgeous bird. We don't have many towhees here (just a green-tailed (?) one that is rare). But, I saw a spotted one in the desert. What a treat.

Thanks for sharing.

NanaNor's said...

Hi there, We used to have Towhee's in northern Ca. but they looked different than yours. They do have a beautiful song.
Thanks for sharing.

Shelley said...

How delightful - especially since he sang for you! I've been wanting to see this bird - so far no luck.

troutbirder said...

Lucky lucky you Caroline. We so rarely see them here.... :)

Rudee said...

Maybe he ordered special bird seed and was waiting on the delivery.

You always accomplish getting such wonderful pictures.

Jayne said...

That's so cool that he just sat there singing for you Carolyn! Mine are usually so skittish if they even venture out from the tree cover. Great photos!

Jill said...

What a treat! Just beautiful!

Rocky Mountain Homemaker said...

The word "mountain" in your blog name caught my eye on Noreen's blog's comment area.
Like you, I am very passionate about the mountains and grateful to be living near them.
Your bird photos are lovely!.....Denise

Elora said...

Delightful! What a reward for a patient photographer!

Elora

Taradharma said...

That lil' guy found his spot, his niche, his happy place. No human was going to drive him from it!

Great series of photos. I'll bet you smiled all day. What a gift!

Vicki Lane said...

Great pics of a handsome bird!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Carolyn, Wow---what a gorgeous bird... I love to hear Towhee's sing. I have never seen one here --at least not in my yard... You are so lucky....

Great Pictures.
Hugs,
Betsy

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Carolyn, Wow---what a gorgeous bird... I love to hear Towhee's sing. I have never seen one here --at least not in my yard... You are so lucky....

Great Pictures.
Hugs,
Betsy

Arkansas Patti said...

Thanks for stopping by TNS and thank you also for posting pictures of my favorite bird. I used to see them all the time in Florida but nary a one yet in Arkansas.
I love how they scratch so vigerously for their food.

Cicero Sings said...

We had towhees at the coast but can't say as I've seen them here. Nothing like a cheerful song to put a smile in one's heart and on one's face.

NCmountainwoman said...

Thanks for your comments, everyone.

Rocky Mountain Homemaker - Thanks for dropping by.

Valerie Cummings said...

Oh how wonderful!!! Hugs Joey and Kealani

Busy Bee Suz said...

He is the cutest little thing ever!!!!

Ruth said...

Towhees migrate through our area but to my knowledge, they don't nest here. I rarely see them. Great pictures!