Rufous-sided Towhee and Bobwhites

There are so many Towhees on the trails here in Florida but they are extremely hard to photograph. They usually stay on the ground in the underbrush. 

So I was happy to have my new camera when this one flew up into the tree and started preening.

I knew it must be a young one.....

and when I searched for a positive ID.....

I found out it was a Female Juvenile Rufous-sided Towhee.

Also called an Eastern Towhee.

Scratch scratch scratch!!!

It was entertaining to watch! And just when I thought the hike couldn't get any better, I looked up ahead and saw 2 birds on the edge of the trail.

One Bobwhite was trying to coax either a female or a young one across the road.

Come on....

it's safe now!

Run Run Run!!! 

(there's something REALLY BIG ahead, with a pink cap)

Not many Earthstars left but I found one to take with my new camera.

All pics taken on the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, what I usually refer to as the Florida Trails.

I hope you've had something in nature to entertain you this week. Have your seen any new birds where you live?

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

and I’d Rather B Birdin’. 

An Earthstar Sighting!

Have you sighted an Earthstar this week? 

I sighted more than one! 

Astraeus hygrometricus commonly known as the Earthstar. 

I found a good article about them HERE.

I spotted these little jewels along the Florida Trails right after they had mowed along the sides of the trails. I don't know if that uncovered them but they caught my eye.

I went back the very next day to hike and take a few more pics.

I needed enough for a mosaic! lol

I was pulling away some blades of grass for a better photo so you can see how small they are by the size of my finger. 

And I picked this one up. A blade of grass was growing through it so I was able to pick it up without handling it. I don't touch things in the forest but I have learned now these mushrooms are not harmful. The info said they are inedible because they are bitter. 

It was fun to see something so unusual on my hikes this week.

They are very beautiful and unique.

Have you ever seen an Earthstar before?

I'm joining Angie for Mosaic Monday HERE . 

I'm linking with All Seasons at the Jesh Studio too!