It was a challenging walk this morning at the Guild Inn. Constant rain, big hills to descend and climb, puddles to navigate and mud to avoid. Our group came through splendidly.

We were rewarded in the final minutes by hearing the “Drink your Tea” call of an Eastern Phoebe. Tohwees are often found in brushy vegetation and can be difficult to spot. Our bird came out into the open.

Here is the call. (The former Rufous-sided Towhee is now called the Eastern Towhee).

Other birds:

Area views:

Some botany:

MAILBOX

NATURE POETRY

That was a spring of storms. They prowled the night;
Low level lightning flickered in the east
Continuous. The white pear-blossom gleamed
Motionless in the flashes; birds were still.             – Vita Sackville-West (1892–1962)

Miles Hearn