Young Green-tailed Towhee In The Wasatch Mountains

Damp young Green-tailed Towhee – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

On Sunday I was delighted when this damp young Green-tailed Towhee popped up on an old weathered stump out in the open for a few moments. The morning had started off with heavy fog or a low cloud and horribly low light.

It was later in the morning when I found this immature towhee and the light was much better. I had slowed down near stands of chokecherries and serviceberries when I saw movement in the damp leaves. I stopped my Jeep and before long the towhee showed itself to me.

Young Green-tailed Towhee on an old stump – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

The juvenile Green-tailed Towhee hopped up higher and perched on top of the old stump. I had to smile as I photographed the damp young bird because even though it was wet and messy looking I still thought it was adorable.

I know that there are some bird photographers that don’t share many messy looking bird photos. I’m not them though and I will and do. By sharing images of birds in all kinds of conditions I think it shows their true beauty, messy or not.

Young Green-tailed Towhee on a old weathered stump – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

This breeding season I have photographed more young Green-tailed Towhees than I have adults. While that feels a little strange it is also a sign that this species has had a successful breeding season this year in the locations where I typically find them.

Messy, damp or in their finest plumage I am always happy to have this sparrow species in my viewfinder.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to view more of my Green-tailed Towhee photos plus facts and information about this species.