Friday, August 12, 2016

The Eastern Towhee

Towhee, 4x4" Oil on Board, 2016
The towhee, a member of the sparrow family, is a most elusive bird.  It feeds primarily on the ground.  I very rarely see it in the trees.  So, I was quite lucky to capture it sitting on this branch.  When they feed on the ground they stand with both legs parallel and then hop back dragging leaves and debris with the feet. This exposes insects for feeding.  This foraging is so noisy that one would think a deer or squirrels are the actors. 

Friday, August 5, 2016

Baltimore Oriole

Baltimore Oriole, 4x4" Oil on Board, 2016

Baltimore Oriole, 8x8" Oil on Board, 2016

Baltimore Oriole, 8x8" Oil on Board, 2016

Monday, August 1, 2016

The Baltimore Oriole

Baltimore Oriole, 8x8" Oil on Board, 2016
I was surprised to find that the oriole is part of the small blackbird family.  It is named from the resemblance of the male's colors to those on the coat-of-arms of England's Lord Baltimore.