This beautiful Eastern Towhee stopped and perched just a few feet from us during one of our hikes through the park. He sang and sang and sang. We of course watched, and watched and watched. When something this beautiful stops right in front of you, you just have to stop, enjoy, and appreciate. It was wonderful. On this particular day we were blessed with views of five different Towhees. Four of them male and one female. How very interesting I think that our first view of a Towhee was here at Lake Shabbona in April. At the time it was a life bird or sighting, we were thrilled. A life bird sighting is when you see a particular bird for the first time in your life. It must be a good year for Towhees after today’s sightings I think!
I love their song. It is an easy one to learn because you can hear a distinct “Drink your teeeea” when you listen for it. As you watch the video above listen for … “Drink your, drink your, drink your teeeeea” as the Towhee sings.
The raspberry bushes have been in full bloom during the month. Here a monarch butterfly pollinates the raspberry blossom. Monarch pollination is the secret ingredient I believe to a good raspberry jam. Raspberry blossoms were really busting out all over in the park. It should be a good year for raspberries! The birds will be so pleased I’m sure.
Another life bird for me during the past month was the Dickcissel. Their song just reaches out and grabs your attention. The sound starts out strong yet squeaky then decends rapidly as it repeats it’s own name. Listen for an insecty sounding “Dick, dick, dick, ciss ciss ciss.” Our eyes went right to this beauty on the top of this bush. They really have incredible color and markings to help with ID. The chest is a brilliant yellow with a bold black spot on the chest and another larger patch on the throat. Another splash of yellow stretches across the eye creating a handsome pattern with a profile view. The wings are a creamy tan color …. a definite attention grabber. After seeing this beauty here at Shabbona, we were blessed with several other sightings. It seems to be a good year for the Dickcissel as well.
As spring continues, the young birds are just beginning to explore all that Lake Shabbona has to offer. Here an Orchard Oriole investigates his surroundings for possible tasty treats to enjoy. We enjoyed some delicious ice cream from Pokanoka’s Cafe. I recommend the mocha flavored blizzard with cookies crumbles. Mmmmm.
The birds have been bountiful this month! Above views are of a male and female Common Yellow-throat Warbler. The male has an unmistakeable black mask and beautiful yellow belly. The female is a very creamy yellow and tan mix. “Wichity, wichity, wichity” is the sound you will hear probably before you see it. They sure love to sing!
For more views and sightings explore through my Flickr gallery .. it’s been a good year so far!