California Towhee

(Burrowing Owl Update Below) The sunshine and the new grass have brought out the sparrows, including these large rust-colored California

What in the world was this bird doing? This California Towhee, a year round resident of the park, emerged from

This California Towhee was foraging in its usual way, on the ground, looking for seeds, sometimes scratching with both feet

Until I took Maureen Lahiff’s Bird Anatomy and Physiology course, I didn’t know that most birds have a preen gland.

This California Towhee may be looking for a mate. Why else sing so persistently? Generally, towhees mate and pair up

This California Towhee went foraging in the grass very near a group of sparrows, but quickly distinguished itself, and not

This California Towhee got an instant response to its call every time. The responding bird remained out of sight. Its

I’ve seen the familiar California Towhee quite a few times, not only in the park but in our back yard.

This California Towhee sat quietly on a bush on the north side of the park early Thursday morning.  Runners, walkers,