rain storms and the garden

Yesterday afternoon, in the midst of the rainstorm, I decided to check out the garden.

Just outside of our back door we have a clematis plant growing. With the rains that we finally are getting, this plant is doing better than it has for the past 4 years. And look at the raindrops the clematis bud is catching!

Later on, as I watched through the window the rain pouring down and winds pummeling the bushes and trees, I suddenly noticed movement of something small. And there was a California towhee hopping around the rain puddles. How odd to see a bird out in this weather!

I didn't get such a great shot of the bird through the window and pouring rain, but here it is.