Townsend's Solitaire

The table that sat in front of the cook’s cabin at Rose Mountain, on the edge of the Santa Fe National Forest, was a peaceful place to enjoy morning coffee. Just beyond this spot was a small garden pool that often attracted thirsty visitors.
I was introduced to a pair of Townsend’s solitaires in just this way. While I was sipping coffee, they landed in a shrub near me with considerable chatter. The bolder of the two flew down to the ground in front of the pool, paused to look at me, then continued on to enjoy his drink.

The Townsend’s solitaire is a thrush, kin to bluebirds, and sings a gently warbling melody that I enjoyed many times during my visit to New Mexico. What a delightful surprise to have one venture so close and unexpectedly.