Rufus sided Towhee

Except for the local catbirds, I don't think there's a friendlier bird to have around than the aptly named Rufous-sided Towhee. These striking migrants have been back in the neighborhood for about a week, but for reasons I can't fathom—quite uncharacteristic of them, really—they been shy about showing themselves for my camera. For the sound recorder... well, that's a different story. No sooner did they arrive than they started in with their loud and sharp calls, and their cheery, signature "drinking" songs. The call is usually translated as "chewink," and the bird often is referred to by that name. The song's a little more complicated, and it's a joy to hear: "Drink your tea... hee... hee... hee" goes the towhee—over and over again. It's impossible to miss the song, and today, glory be, it was finally impossible to miss the singer, who came for, well, tea.