Eastern towhees (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) are very attractive Florida resident birds, but until lately, I haven’t been seeing them this year. The first one I ever saw was during the winter a few years ago, so I know they are here then, but this year I really didn’t see or hear them. I suspect our drought this last winter and spring may have had a lot to do with it. Now that it’s finally starting to rain, I’m seeing towhees again. Coincidence? Possibly, but…. Now that they are back, the males are very busy marking territories, mainly by singing. I’ve seen a couple of them chasing each other, but they are much more peaceful than our friends the cardinals, who are always arguing. The song is usually a very pretty warbling followed by a sharp sing note call. I love hearing it, and I missed it over the winter.