Canyon Towhee

This afternoon, under increasing clouds,  we visited a wonderful bird-viewing station with multiple feeders organized by Mary Jo Ballator in Ash Canyon, south of Sierra Vista AZ, where we have been staying. There were numerous other birds, but the Canyon Towhee is quite distinctive, and not easy to see.  This individual has an unusually conspicuous red crown, and throat plumage perhaps more colorful than average--a worthy subject.  Like all towhees, they feed on the ground, scratching up food from under the ground and leaves.

In the morning the weather was gloriously sunny--ideal for our walk up nearby  Ramsey Canyon. With fall color still vivid, it was one of the most beautiful natural environments that I have ever experienced.  The red, orange and yellow autumn leaves--especially on towering sycamores--contrast continually with the dark green of junipers and evergreens under the picturesque canyon walls.