Spotted Towhee: A New Bird for my Regina Yard

While having breakfast, I saw a Spotted Towhee hopping under our backyard bird feeder. I glanced away, and it was gone. I thought perhaps I'd mistaken the black-and-white markings on its back for another bird...

Spotted Towhee cautiously checking out the grass under the bird feeder, in Regina. © SB

I've only seen a Spotted Towhee once in Saskatchewan — and that was in the distance, at Grasslands National Park. And I've only seen one up close — but that was near the water, along the West Dyke Trail in Richmond, B.C.

But this Spotted Towhee came back to our yard several times during the day. Never brave. Never coming close to the house, or staying long. But clearly identifiable, from its black head, red eyes, rusty sides, and spotted wings.

Spotted Towhee in Richmond, B.C. - unlike my Regina bird, this one was not shy! © SB

What are these? Spotted Towhees
Locations: 1) Backyard, Saskatchewan, 2) Richmond, B.C., Canada
Photo dates: May 13, 2016, and June 18, 2014.

~~~~~

Spotted Towhees in Grasslands: I have a message for you

To all Spotted Towhees in Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan:

There is no need for you, or any other birds, to hide behind bare shrubby branches when I drive by.

This is the only picture I have of you large sparrows, and it barely captures your brilliant rust, white and black colouring.

Spotted Towhee beside the Frenchman River   © SB

That said, my thanks for waiting on this bush, beside a bridge over the Frenchman River, until I was able to take this single shot.

And yes, I love your bright red eyes.

Seen on the Prairie Passages tour of PFRA and other publicly owned grasslands, with conservationists, authors, and photographers, including Margaret Atwood, Graeme Gibson, Alberto Yanosky (Executive Director of BirdLife affiliate Guyra Paraguay), and  Ian Davidson (Exec. Dir., Nature Canada). Organized by Public Pastures - Public Interest. For more on the tour, see Pasture Posts and Trevor Herriot's Grass Notes.

What is this? A Spotted Towhee.
Location: Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan.
Photo date: June 25, 2013.

~~~~~