UPDATE: Around noon today, I noticed a female RBG hanging around. I had wondered why so many males and no females. She was very timid at first but finally came to the feeder.------------------------------------------
I was surprised yesterday to see yet another young Red-breasted Grosbeak show up at the house.
Though the primary feathers are still slightly brown tinged, they are more black than the other young bird that has been at the house all week. However, with more markings on the breast area, it makes me think it is younger.
The two were quite aggressive towards each other not wanting the other to come to the tube feeder. Once they both settled to opposite sides of the feeder, they turned there attention and aggressiveness towards some House Finches trying to come in to eat.The new bird arrived late in the afternoon as dark storm clouds were gathering so the shots are a bit grainy. One photo is a bit blurred but I thought nicely showed the color under the wings. I have seen both of them this morning so they are still here.
From talking with other birders, there appears to be a higher than normal number of sightings this spring in the area.
4 comments:
Is that safflower you are feeding them?
I've been using a mixture that includes safflower seeds, sunflower seeds, peanuts and some dried fruit. I've noticed the chickadee's are carting off the safflower seeds. Still waiting for the grosbeaks to show here in Maine.
As always I enjoy looking at your photos and reading your stories, Paula.
HI Liz, Yes, it is safflower seed. They really seem to like them. They have also discovered the home made suet and love it, particularly the females. Additional females showed up today. I counted seven total male and females here today. I spoke with a lady up the street who feeds the birds and they have been coming to her feeders also. She puts out a sunflower/safflower mix. I can't believe they have stayed this long! Maybe they are feeding up for the next stage of their journey farther north.
Lucky you, Paula! I used to have lots of them in Maine. Since I moved here, I've only had one at the feeder, either last year or the year before and then he was gone. Do you get a lot of grackles that at your feeders? They eat me out of house and home. 😞
Gladys, I know what you mean about being eaten out of house and home. I cannot believe the amount of seed they have gone through in a weeks time....but it is worth it to be able to see them. The (*&#(*$ Grackles drive me nuts! They like the suet feeder. I have had to stop using one while they are here for the spring rush. I have then spring then fall but not so much during summer.
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