Jan. 29 pictures

I got home from work and immediately scanned the front and back yard to see if anyone was availble for photos - it had to be quick because I only had about an hour or so of light left! (see what this forum has done to me lol!)

Here is the mockingbird going after the oranges now that the raisins are eaten. I got 2 photos of mid pecks and it looks like the bird has rolled his eye back in each one. I wonder if they do that as a defense mechanism? If they were pecking at an insect it might peck back sort of thing. I know frogs do that with their eyes too when they flip their tongues out.

And then LO AND BEHOLD... the towhees are back!!! At least one is anyway. I always get these in late winter and early spring and then they leave. I have never gotten a picture of them because they don't come to my feeders but prefer to ground feed. They seem shy too and dart out for a snack and then hide under my huge overgrown pine tree. But today one was a little way up on a branch close enough to get some so-so pictures. But I'm thrilled anyway.

By the way... this is the very rare and little known Balloon Animal Towhee

Seriously, (lol) its very cold here today - 11 degrees this morning and up to the high 20's by afternoon so all the birds are pretty puffy. All kidding aside, I'm thinking this is the Eastern Towhee? I don't see any wing spots so that's my guess.

a quick stretch

You guess right, and he is very FAT and Happy looking Eastern Towhee...hehe!!

Beautiful pics of the Towhee Lilyfan!!!

Maybe the Mock doesn't want to get squirteed in the eye with OJ-ouch!!

Ha ha ha Good one!

Great pics Lilyfan! That Towhee has some vibrant colors for sure.

Wow, beautiful Towhee! I've never seen any around here. I always really enjoy your photos, birds and daylilies too.
Vicki

Lily, great photos - and I'm chuckling over your rare "Balloon Animal Towhee!!!"

Brilliant 2 hours that was Lily!! Lovely shots, and the Towhee is gorgeous!

wonder shots Lily