Eastern Towhee

[Geoffrey Montagu]

Captured this image yesterday afternoon at a local wildlife refuge where I know the exact location in a wooded area I can find them every year. More than likely this particular bird is related to the family I've been photographing for years. There were two very vocal characters that gave me a number of poses. C&C welcome.

D4S, nikon 500mm PF, 1/320s, f 5.6, HH, ISO 3200.


Geoffrey




http://500px.com/geoffreymontagu

[David Roach]

I can hear it from here. Perfect singing pose and canopy lighting from above. TFS

[Dorian Anderson]

This bird used to be considered conspecific with the Spotted Towhee, both of which are characterized by their rufous flanks. This photo shows that feature beautifully, but the perch is about 12-18 inches too high. It does offer a really nice view of the undertail, and that's a feature we don't get to see much since these guys are often scratching around in the underbrush. Sharpness isn't perfect but looks decent for the slow shutter and ISO.

[Geoffrey Montagu]

This bird used to be considered conspecific with the Spotted Towhee, both of which are characterized by their rufous flanks. This photo shows that feature beautifully, but the perch is about 12-18 inches too high. It does offer a really nice view of the undertail, and that's a feature we don't get to see much since these guys are often scratching around in the underbrush. Sharpness isn't perfect but looks decent for the slow shutter and ISO.

Thanks Dorian. I was going to add some of the particulars / history of this interesting bird, and you've pointed out the main uniqueness. Another note is they both can be found together in the Great Plains, occasionally mixing it up together.

I agree, lower would have been better, but of course he landed on this branch and as you've pointed out gives us a nice under view of the tail.


Geoffrey




http://500px.com/geoffreymontagu

[John Mack]

A nice view of this towhee. I like the framing. The calling pose is nice as well. I don't mind the perch.

[Geoffrey Montagu]

Thanks David, Dorian, and John.


Geoffrey




http://500px.com/geoffreymontagu