Spotted Towhees
Immature male Spotted Towhee molting – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
It was smoky again in far northern Utah yesterday morning but that didn’t stop me from photographing the birds I found.
One of the birds that popped into my view was an immature male Spotted Towhee who was undergoing a molt. The young towhee looked pretty raggedy because of the molting process but I adore these large sparrows and I know exactly what he will look like when he is finished swapping out his feathers.
Molting immature male Spotted Towhee on a smoky September morning – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The immature male Spotted Towhee perched on a Fragrant Sumac long enough that I was able to take a long series of images of him as he looked around the area. There are plenty of shrubs in this location with a freshwater seep down below them.
I see Spotted Towhees in this spot quite often but they rarely come out into the open like this hatch year male did.
Adult male Spotted Towhee perched on sumac – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Six minutes later an adult male Spotted Towhee flew in and landed on the sumac just a few feet from where the immature male had been and I was thrilled to take photos of him.
This is what the immature male will look like when he has completed molting into his adult plumage.
Adult Spotted Towhee male on a smoky September morning – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The adult towhee didn’t stay long. After taking a short series of images he lifted his wings, flew off and disappeared.
Spotted Towhees are among the most colorful members of the sparrow family and I always enjoy photographing them on those occasions when they are out in the open. Even when the air is filled with smoke.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my Spotted Towhee photos plus facts and information about this species.
What a charmer. I am always intrigued by the difference in juvenile and adult plumage. And hope that your air clears. Soon.
The perfect “Before and After” series. Fabulous shots of these two fellas!
Very handsome fellow. I like to see the molting birds.
That is one beautiful bird! Photographically he’s right up there with a Kestrel!
They breed in our shrubbery. Right now, our place has a lot of Spotted Towhees. They love to work my flower beds/pots, kicking motes around the perimeters.
Beautiful shots even under difficult situations. Stay safe!