Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Evening Grosbeaks at the Aerie

Yesterday, for the first time in three years, we had a group of Evening Grosbeaks appear at the feeders. Bright sunlight, deep shade and general skitishness around the aggressive--and numerous--squirrels, made for some difficult photographic conditions and I wasn't happy with the shots I did get. In addition, all the birds that showed up yesterday were the more drab females.

Not today. The girls brought a few guys along with them today. And the slightly overcast skies meant that the deck wasn't in deep shadow but lit by a diffuse light. The birds were still a bit skitish and the squirrels a pain in the a$$ but I did manage to get a few good shots.

Evening Grosbeaks on the tray.

Female Evening Grosbeak

Male Evening Grosbeak

With seed conditions further north reported to be pretty bleak, I expect we'll be seeing these guys and gals along with other more northerly species quite often this winter. Especially so once there's some snow cover.
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3 comments:

  1. Rev. Paul11/20/2012 11:16 AM

    What beautiful birds! Thanks for sharing.

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  2. joated11/20/2012 11:23 AM

    They are the Goldfinches of the winter--only larger. Always a pleasure to see their bright yellow and flashing white and black wings.

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  3. Ruth11/20/2012 5:47 PM

    Glad you got to see them! I was doing all sorts of "cool!!!" the first time I saw them outside my window this year!

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