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The Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks are back!

6 years ago

It was REALLY windy when I took this photo. We're now up to 8 males and 7 females visiting the feeders (which were twirling like crazy in the wind). This was as close as I could get without spooking them. This is also the earliest we've ever had them arrive since I stated recording the date nearly 20 years ago. They're about 7-10 days early this year. Beautiful birds!

The little swing you see on the hook is a hummingbird swing. They rest there while guarding the feeder.

Featured Answer

pawpawridgefarm

6 years ago

Mine mostly eat BOSS, but they are also eating suet and even peanuts. I've never really noticed how amusing they are in a group. In the past, with very small numbers, they just sat and ate. Now, in a large group, there's a different dynamic to them. I also was unaware of all the red under their wings. One hit a window and was stunned, giving me an opportunity to examine him more closely.

Pat, indigos are extremely common here, but they haven't readily come to feeders until this year. We've always had at least one to come, but no more. Now, we're getting at least three at a time. They like a millet mix and stay away from the BOSS. They also seem to like feeding both from a feeder and on the ground. I hope they stay. Their plumage is iridescent--especially in the sunlight. The blue grosbeak was about three times larger and duller in color.

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Comments (14)

Pat Z5or6 SEMich
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Marcy, where are you?
Marcy
Original Author
6 years ago
Southern Illinois.
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Pat Z5or6 SEMich
6 years ago
Cool. I haven't seem one yet. SE Michigan.
pawpawridgefarm
6 years ago
Marcy, I'm in so IL too, in Clay County. You are certainly right. We have NEVER had so many grosbeaks. We also, for the first time ever, had a blue grosbeak. He made an appearance Saturday and spent the day at our feeders. I was hoping he would stay, but he didn't. Our indigo buntings arrived the same time as the blue. We've had orioles as well for a couple weeks now. Our first hummer showed up 4/20.
Pat Z5or6 SEMich
6 years ago
I have one right now. Love it!
catherinet
6 years ago
I started to see them here in central Indiana today. I'm seeing 2 males and 2 females. I didn't see any last year. Sounds like they've had a population boom. They are so beautiful.
Pat Z5or6 SEMich
6 years ago
If an Indigo Bunting and/or Blue Grosbeak appeared in my yard, I would probably faint dead away. They are so gorgeous and I am so old.
catherinet
6 years ago
LOL Pat! Well, I hope you see both of those birds and can still hang around with us. :)
tsugajunkie z5 SE WI ♱
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Saw two male RBGs here today. First of the year for me.

tj
Pat Z5or6 SEMich
6 years ago
I now have a pair of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and 2 other males. They are eating at my SAFflower feeder!!!! All the experts say they prefer BOSS. I love it!

catherine, me too.
FeatherBee
6 years ago
Great pic!! I have yet to see one and I've been feeding for years. My mother had one feeder out and snapped a great pic of one too. I'm in the Midwest.
Pat Z5or6 SEMich
6 years ago
pawpaw, where are you? Indigos extremely common? Cool!
Pat Z5or6 SEMich
6 years ago
Oops, I see you are in Southern Illinois. I had a millet mix on the ground until yesterday and not one indigo. But i did get White-crowned Sparrows and Chirping Sparrows for the first time.

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