The Eastern Towhee is no “high-flyer”.
After living in Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Florida, and Alabama, I naively assumed that there was simply one kind of sparrow—the House Sparrow. Little did I know that there are many sparrow types!
THE EASTERN TOWHEE
This particular visitor to my home in Troy, Alabama is apparently an oversized sparrow called the Eastern Towhee. They are considered “birds of the undergrowth” as they would rather forage through stems, leaves, and branches on the ground than soar among the clouds. Strikingly marked, they are typically feathered in bold black and warm/sienna hues. Their rummaging sounds make far more noise than you would expect for a bird their size.
They spend much of their time on the ground, scratching at leaves using both feet at the same time, in a kind of backward hop. It is most common to see the Towhee climbing in low shrubs and trees. Much like the Carolina Wren, the Eastern Towhees are likely to inhabit areas that are brushy and overgrown—like the edge of my backyard. If your feeders are near that vegetated edge they might venture out to find fallen seeds.
Their song (the chewink) is unique and memorable. The eyes are often red, but white eyes for Towhees are more common in the southeast.
Another detail view of the mixed-media piece (graphite, watercolor, and gouache)
WHAT ABOUT THIS SERIES: BIRDS INSPIRE?
To date, I have made compositions of the Red-Bellied Woodpecker, the Carolina Wren, the Northern Cardinal, the Eastern Bluebird, and the House Finch. Each one has taught me something new and has inspired me to take greater notice of the beauty and design that abounds in God’s creation. I can barely understand what is seen much less the unseen! However, this artistic inquiry is based on a longing that I have to stop, take note, appreciate, marinate in the sounds and motions of these small visitors. These birds are exemplary of so much in life.
When you view these pieces (hopefully in person some day), I too hope that you will stop, take note, appreciate, marinate in the lines, colors, shapes, and textures—my lowly attempt to be like my Father in Heaven and be creative.
“Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything. —2 Corinthians 6:10””
This finished mixed-media piece, approximately 12”w x 20”h, can be viewed along with other works at Sienna Cloud Creative, 113 North Three Notch Street in Troy, Alabama. (BY APPOINTMENT ONLY)