Tuesday, May 06, 2008

Rose-breasted Grosbeaks

The Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are shy this year.

Only two females are here.
They seldom come to the big feeder.

I have hung two small feeders in the trees for them.

Three males are here.

They seem to prefer the platform feeder.
I am fascinated by these birds.

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have a pair of them hanging around the yard. The female tried to eat at feeder and the male turn around and gave her a sharp peck. Clearly he doesn't want share the feeder with her.

They are a beautiful bird.

A fawn has been spotted in my area!! Maybe tomorrow I can get a picture of it if I'm really lucky!!

Lisa at Greenbow said...

A person can see why you are facinated with them. They are gorgeous and we don't get to see them for long.

Since our pine trees came down we haven't seen them in our garden. This is very sad to me. I heard them across the street. Boooooo

Lynne at Hasty Brook said...

That second female picture looks like she has an underbite! They sure are beautiful.

Lynne at Hasty Brook said...

That second female picture looks like she has an underbite! They sure are beautiful.

Rose said...

Fascinating birds, and such great photos. I am learning more about bird identification from all these wonderful posts than from a book.

Jayne said...

They are just all beak aren't they? :c) So big and pretty!

Q said...

Dear Cathy,
The Rose-breasted Grosbeaks came to my gardens last year for the first time. There was a small flock last year.
I have read a little bit about these birds. They come from as far away as South America.
Last year they were hungry and came right up to the deck. This year they are shy.
It is fun to see them. Glad to know you also are feeding these wonderful visistors.
A fawn??? Hope you get a photo.
Sherry

Q said...

Dear Lisa,
Losing the pines means you lost lots of cover for the birds!
It will take a few years for you and your gardens to recoup!
Glad to know the Grosbeaks are in your area and getting food. With so much habitat lost I worry about the birds.
Sherry

Q said...

Dear Lynne,
She does! I think they have a Parrot look about them. The beaks look powerful!
Sherry

Q said...

Dear Rose,
Glad you enjoy the bird reports.
I would love to continue to post pictures of new birds in the gardens!!!
I have been waiting many, many years for the Indigo Buntings to come to my gardens. I would love to post pictures of them! I need more "blue" birds.
There is a Blue Grosbeak I have never seen. They would be fun to see at the feeders.
Sherry

Q said...

Dear Jayne,
They ARE all beak!
So pretty . I love the way they fly.
Sherry

Deb said...

New birds at the feeder - how exciting. Today we had our very first Oriole - he left before I could manage to take a pic. I've cut an orange in half and placed it in the Lilac bush hoping he will return :-}

smilnsigh said...

It's interesting... You have Grosebeaks in warm weather. When we see them, it is in cold weather. :-)

Mari-Nanci
Smilnsigh

Naturegirl said...

How wonderful it is to be back visiting your blog! Just simply a pleasure for me to stop by and see my favorite photos... nature around you...such amazing close ups! Soon I am sure you will posting butterflies
as I do believe that you live in the garden of Eden! Hugs NG who's returned home!

Cheryl said...

They are very unusual looking birds Sherry and I can certainly see why you would be fascinated by them.

Sheila said...

I guess that is the meaning of the expression 'pecking order', the males eat at the feeder, the females eat where they can.
Interesting beaks..
xx

Q said...

Dear Deb,
How exciting!!!
Knowing they are near means they could come looking again. I found the oranfe necter feeder brought mine in the first time. They still come to the orange feeder but they find the orange halves and the grapes and jelly bowls very quickly.
Other birds like the fruit too!
Feeding the birds is very fun.
Sherry

Q said...

Dear Mari-Nanci,
I think the birds you see in the winter are the Evening Grosbeaks.
They like Conifer forests and Box Elders. My bird book says they are in the Spruce Belt of Canada.
The Rose-breasted do not stay around my gardens for very long, just a couple of weeks of feeding and resting before moving north.
It is an honor they stop!
Sherry

Q said...

Dear Anna,
Welcome home!
It has been so cool that very few butterflies have been out. I saw a few a couple of weeks ago. This cold front will move on and the butterflies will emerge. I hope to be taking their pictures!
I have been doing a wee bit of gardening and spending the rest of the time outside with the birds.
The Hummingbirds and Orioles are getting to know me.
I am enjoying each minute withthe Grosbeaks too. Thjey will leave any day now.
Looking forward to seeing your roses again.
Glad you are safe and sound, back in your gardens.
Bird songs and butterflywings,
Sherry

Q said...

Dear Cheryl,
Last year when the frost came late and delayed migration, a small flock of Grobeaks found my back yard. I had never seen them before.
They were very, very hungry last year. This yaer I was very honored that a few remembered me. I do not think I am on the regular migration path. They only stay a couple of weeks before finishing their northern journey.
The males come first and leave first. Spending time with them was a joy this year.
Sherry

Q said...

Dear Sheila,
Sometimes I think it has to do with protection. ALthough the males do leave and the females stay around fending for themselves. I just put lots of seed out in all sorts of different spots so everyone has food!
There is always room for more birds.
Sherry