robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

This California Towhee had been gathering grubs and bugs and stacking them on the porch, then go back to foraging in the grass. When it had a full beak worth it would pick them all up and fly off - probably to a nest of little ones. This one had just picked up the latest haul and hopped to the top of the sewer access when it apparently spotted something else tasty. You could tell it was very tempted to try for "just one more". But it decided not to risk it and flew off. Later it came back and foraged at that spot. I believe this behavior was only one bird, but it could have been the mated pair taking turns - CA Towhees male and female look alike.

7DII, 100-400L mk2 @ 188, 1/640 @ f/5.6, ISO-4000 in shade, hand held at about 6' or so.

Selective focus separates the bird and foreground from the background.

This shows how much I sit on the porch that they accept me and forage so close. When I water with the hose from my chair they will almost fly into the water stream because they know it brings the grubs and bugs out

(Download)

GalaxyCat Loc: Boston, MA

Very nice picture. Thanks for posting.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Thanks, you are welcome.

Dixiegirl Loc: Alabama gulf coast

Excellent shot of a beautiful bird, Jerry, and I love your narrative!

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Thanks very much.

J-SPEIGHT Loc: Akron, Ohio

Nice shot Jerry

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Thanks a lot.

merrytexan Loc: georgia

Pretty bird taking home the bacon...good job on the shot.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Thanks
When I go sit on the front porch it comes around several times an hour and has foraged within 4-5 feet of where I am sitting. It loves it when I water the lawn with the hose (no choice the sprinkler sprang a leak in one line). That brings the grubs, bugs and worms out for easy pickings. I have had as many as 4 towhees in the yard at once but only this one comes that close.

merrytexan Loc: georgia

That is so cool!!