Day 38: shy birds

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OUR TOP STORY TONIGHT!

female towhee on guard

We have to admire these two photographs by nature-spotter and local artist Vickie Henderson because this is one backyard species that is shy. If you see a towhee for long that's one thing but to be able to focus your camera and squeeze off a shot or two is another.

A eastern towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) has to feel completely comfortable with you and your yard before if will ever show itself. Why? This species is very grounded.

Indigo buntings like to be in the tops of the trees, cardinals in the understory but a towhee's niche is the bottom floor, terra firma. They search for food on the ground under the dead leaves and often build their nests on the ground or close to it. Secrecy is a must because that is where the predators are lurking: we're talking cats, raccoons, black rat snakes.

Vickie also witnessed an often unseen behavior, an aggressive female towhee.

"I have a crazy female towhee pecking at the window at her own reflection and the poor male following her around," Vickie emailed.

Once again: Write this down and underline it. "The males are not in charge. The females lead the way." Yes, the males tend to be more aggressive because it is their chief responsibility to guard the territory. But some females take an active role in the security patrol. She has a lot at sake and she does not want another female in her yard even if it is only her own reflection.

And remember: while you are keeping it safe, we are watching your world. This ends Day 38 of our quarantine. 

Ob-la-de, ob-la-da.

Top photo: female towhee. Bottom photo: male towhee.
Photos by Vickie Henderson

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