They have been back several times, these
Evening Grosbeaks, since I first sighted them in our yard on Saturday
(Nov. 22nd). Other years I
have just sprinkled black-oiled Sunflower seeds on the top of an old apple crate in our feeder area, but this year I decided to scatter some seed on top of our patio table, which we have decided to leave out for the winter, and this by far was the best invitation. I can now stand in my kitchen and take their pictures through the french doors and then the outside windows of our sun room. I have read that they like to feed on flat surfaces and the patio table provided room for lots of food and lots of grosbeaks.
A most distin- guishing feature of these Evening Grosbeaks are their heavy, cone- shaped bills which they are able to use very adeptly for husking sunflower seeds, which are a favourite feeder food for them.
A female Evening Grosbeak
A male Evening Grosbeak
They have been back several times, these Evening Grosbeaks, since I first sighted them in our yard on Saturday (Nov. 22nd). Other years I 
have just sprinkled black-oiled Sunflower seeds on the top of an old apple crate in our feeder area, but this year I decided to scatter some seed on top of our patio table, which we have decided to leave out for the winter, and this by far was the best invitation. I can now stand in my kitchen and take their pictures through the french doors and then the outside windows of our sun room. I have read that they like to feed on flat surfaces and the patio table provided room for lots of food and lots of grosbeaks.
A most distin- guishing feature of these Evening Grosbeaks are their heavy, cone- shaped bills which they are able to use very adeptly for husking sunflower seeds, which are a favourite feeder food for them.
A female Evening Grosbeak
A male Evening Grosbeak
They are beautiful little birds. I'm sure your invitation was very well appreciated.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, those grosbeaks. We feed our backyard birds and they bring us much joy. I've seen these at our feeders but only fleetingly. Thanks for the tip about them liking to feed on flat surfaces. Will try that asap.
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving to you and yours. This post was a pleasure.
I really like your close-ups shots. It adds something to my appreciation of and connection with a bird when I can see "the look in its eye" - the expression on its face. Makes it all much more personal somehow, like getting to know individual people instead of just seeing the crowd.
ReplyDeleteThey are very pretty and so strange looking! I think they have a "blind" look with that funny mask. What astonishing color. I guess it's only fair for those of you with such hard winters to have such a pretty bird to compensate :-) The table is a great idea...brings them up to a nice level!
ReplyDeletethey are beautiful. i'm sure a delight to watch, too.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures of beautiful birds. I would never want to leave my window if I had them visit. I checked our local birding forum and cannot see that anyone has seen around here.
ReplyDeleteLucky you! They sure are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWoW! They are gorgeous! Never seen them before! Great job!
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving!
Cheers, Klaus
Beautiful pictures of some very lovely birds.They are so colorful.Sounds like you ahve the perfect setup for photography.
ReplyDeleteOh Ann...what a crew and so many have never seen one including me..
ReplyDeleteI'm another who has never seen a grosbeak. Love that wild eyeliner they're using! ;-)
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
kyle:
ReplyDeleteThey definitely are a sight to behold! I hope some come your way some day.
Funny with their yellow cap. It's always fun to see the resemblences with the species over here in Flanders and the differences.
ReplyDeleteWhat absolutely gorgeous birds. I love the coloring and patterns of their feathers. You got really striking shots.
ReplyDeletewondrous closeups I love the header too !!
ReplyDeletewow! Lovely pictures! Am i actually seeing a bird TONGUE? WOW!
ReplyDelete