This was my 8th year counting birds for the annual Great Backyard Bird Count. Some years I venture out to find birds at wetlands or local parks. This year, I only counted birds at home. We had a little snow, which I think kept some birds in hiding. Also, I didn’t get out as often as I sometimes do. So, although I spotted a number of birds, they were the typical ones that hang out closer to our house than off in the trees.

Dark-eyed Junco

I may be wrong, but I feel like we used to have far more Junco’s in the winter than we have had the last couple years. I did see a couple, though, during the GBBC.

Golden-crowned Sparrow

Click here to read more about theses sparrows

Song Sparrow

Spotted Towhee

To read more about them, click here

Varied Thrush

We don’t see these feathered friends very often. But I know there are a couple that visit us and I was fortunate to see one during the GBBC.

Ravens & American Crow

I saw both Ravens and Crows flying overhead a couple of the GBBC days.

Steller’s Jay

Gray Jay

To read more about one of my favorite birds, click here

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Another year, another Great Backyard Bird Count.

Typically I do a combination of counting birds in public areas, as well as around our home. This year I only counted birds near our house. Everyday I pretty much saw the same species of birds. A number of them were the same birds that have been around awhile. But, the Golden-crowned Kinglet, Black-capped Chickadees, and Hairy Woodpecker were welcome visitors.

The birds I saw this year were:

Song Sparrow

Golden-crowned Sparrow

Click here to read more about theses sparrows

Spotted Towhee

To read more about them, click here

Dark-eyed Junco

American Crow

Steller’s Jay

Gray Jay

To read more about one of my favorite birds, click here

American Robin

They just recently returned.

Black-capped Chickadee

These chickadees were a welcome surprise on day 1 of the GBBC.

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Hairy Woodpecker

Lately I haven’t been out birding as much as I would like, so this was a great opportunity to get out and enjoy it.

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This month I am highlighting the Spotted Towhee. Their bold color pattern is a lovely contrast to our mostly even toned birds.

IDENTIFICATION

HEAD: black
THROAT: black
FLANKS: rufous
BELLY: white
WINGS: black with white spots & wing bars
TAIL: long, black with white spots
BACK: black
BILL: conical shaped, thick & dark
EYE: red

HABITAT

Primarily found in mid to western North America. In the east, is the Spotted Towhee’s cousin, the Eastern Towhee. Until recently both species were grouped together under one name, Rufous-sided Towhee.

The Spotted Towhee is found in dense shrubby habitats, forests & fields, usually on or near the ground.

In Spring, you can spot males on higher ground singing their song.

FEEDING

Forages mostly on the ground, scratching in the leaf litter for seeds, insects, & fruits.

They do come to our bird feeders.

However, they seem just as happy eating the seed that has fallen on the ground.

At our suet feeder

Digging through the hay hauled out of our goat pen.

FRIENDS & FAMILY

FAMILY: New World Sparrows
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Pipilo maculatus

I often see the Spotted Towhee with other sparrow friends.

Occasionally I will spot a pair together.

PHOTO GALLERY

Happy Birding!

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