As the winter progresses, temperatures decline, and snow deepens, the Evening Grosbeaks are becoming more regular and in ever-increasing numbers.
Back on October 28, I reported a yardlist high count of 7 grosbeaks. That high count has steadily grown, with 10 seen November 19 and December 10, 22 seen on December 14, and 27 seen today, December 17.
The grosbeak flock returns numerous times throughout each day, perching as a group in the maple tree, then descending from there to the tray feeder, hopper feeder, and to feed on the ground.
They have to compete somewhat with the jays, who have also been very busy at the feeders.
To encourage Evening Grosbeaks to visit your feeders, make sure you offer seed on an open tray or platform feeder or in a roomy hopper feeder. A quality blend of black oil, striped sunflower, sunflower chips, and safflower seed like WBU Supreme Blend will appeal to these special visitors!
As I prepare this post, the Evening Grosbeak call is being amplified inside my home, and I am trying to capture some digiscoped images of them through the windows. If they turn out, I'll post them soon - stay tuned.
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Larry - thanks, I've enjoyed their regular presence. Hope they arrive in CT soon!
Mon@rch - stay tuned, I have a feeling I'll be posting lots of grosbeak pix this winter!
Mike - funny you mention a "Blue Jay irruption" - I had been thinking the same thing! Jays are really thick this winter and I'm glad they aren't keeping the grosbeaks away. Happy Holidays to you as well.
Posted by: The Zen Birdfeeder | December 26, 2007 at 09:59 PM
Wow! I am happy with the number of "typical" birds that come to our feeders, but I am coveting your Evening Grosbeaks! I need a species that can stand up to the 20-or-so Blue Jays that have become our frequent guests (those numbers are up from other years, but no one is talking about a "Blue Jay irruption" or anything).
Great pictures, thanks for sharing!
Happy Holidays,
Mike
Posted by: noflickster | December 23, 2007 at 11:49 PM
thanks for sharing these are such wonderful birds!
Posted by: mon@rch | December 17, 2007 at 09:55 PM
Show-off! I hope that there's enough left for us to see in CT!
Nice photos though.-I've heard they have quite the appetite.
Posted by: Larry | December 17, 2007 at 06:17 PM
Vern & Lana - thanks!
Posted by: The Zen Birdfeeder | December 17, 2007 at 06:11 PM
Wow! So much color over there at the Int'l House of Grosbeaks (& blue jays!)
Posted by: Lana | December 17, 2007 at 05:49 PM
Nice birds to have as regulars. I can't say I've had them as regulars since I was a kid in the 70's back in Massachusetts. Great birds and pics.
Thanks
Posted by: Vern | December 17, 2007 at 05:46 PM