In the midst of a lull during a recent snowstorm, I wandered out to the 'back forty' to top off the feeders and scatter seed for the ground feeders. Imagine my surprise, when I found myself face to face with a Rufous-Sided Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus), perched in the kerria. On the ground, nearby, his mate was picking through the seeds. I stood, frozen to the spot, until they both flew up to the linden branch. This was one of those special moments. It's been years since I spotted this bird and that was during a summer hike through Lynn Woods.

I went on to finish 'setting the table' for my backyard birds, then hurried in with my snow-covered dog. During the next hour, I spotted that unusual couple several times, from the kitchen window. Later, browsing through my wild bird books, my suspicion was confirmed. This Eastern Towhee may breed in our area, as far north as southern Maine, but it winters to the south and west of New Jersey. I'll treasure this accidental Towhee siting and hope that hardy pair finds their way back, come nesting time this spring.

©2008 Deb Lambert