Sunday, September 28, 2008

Welcome, Visitors

I had seen him in the trees for a couple of days. He didn't have the brilliant plumage of the adults, but he sat with confidence. I mistook him for a female at first, even though no other females had arrived. Finally, I saw him in the sun and he showed me his reddish breast and black wing feathers. I wonder if the others call him "girly-man" since the other juveniles have more distinct areas of red.

Welcome to our woods, Master Rose-breasted Grosbeak. We have enjoyed the journeys of your grandparents and great-grandparents and we are delighted to welcome the new generation.








We always look forward to the fall migration, especially the return of the grosbeaks. Rose-breasted Grosbeaks do not winter or summer here and we have but a few brief weeks to enjoy them in the spring and the fall. They are so beautiful and have such a distinctive song that even I can recognize it.
-----We now have several males, both adults and juveniles, visiting our feeders. The females will join them soon and we will drink in their beauty for a short while. Then all of them will take off to parts unknown.
So, it's a rather quick "Hail, and Farewell" to our little friends. We do enjoy your visits.
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10 comments:

  1. troutbirderSeptember 28, 2008 at 11:03 AM

    The pictures are great but I like your writing best of all. It captures the spirit of the moment. Thanks

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  2. Twisted FencepostSeptember 28, 2008 at 12:11 PM

    Your pictures are beautiful. I agree with troutbirder, you write very well!

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  3. The BirdladySeptember 28, 2008 at 3:08 PM

    Wonderful pictures! I don't usually see them in the fall, but they do come through in all their glory in spring.

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  4. RuthSeptember 28, 2008 at 7:24 PM

    Beautiful pictures. I saw a number of juveniles in August but could never catch them with a camera.

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  5. ShelleySeptember 28, 2008 at 10:00 PM

    Beautiful - Loved seeing him in the sunlight! We enjoy these birds in the spring & summer in Michigan.

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  6. MarySeptember 28, 2008 at 10:30 PM

    I would like to move to the mountains. Would you be my neighbor?

    Mary :o)

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  7. JayneSeptember 29, 2008 at 6:43 AM

    I've never seen a juvenile Carolyn. How lovely! Send him on down this way if you would. :c)

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  8. nina at Nature Remains.September 29, 2008 at 7:32 AM

    What a wonderful welcome for your traveler!
    Loved, loved this.

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  9. This Is My Blog - fishing guySeptember 29, 2008 at 8:11 AM

    Carolyn: Those are beautiful photos and a great story.

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  10. NCmountainwomanSeptember 29, 2008 at 1:13 PM

    troutbirder - What a nice thing to say. Thank you very much.

    twisted - Thanks a lot.

    Helen - We treasure every day that we see them.

    Ruth - Thanks. I was lucky to catch him with the camera and I spent several days trying.

    Shelley - How lucky for you to have the grosbeaks for a season.

    Mary - We would love to have you visit with us. We have two guest bedrooms and would be happy to be your host and tour guide until you retire and can be a neighbor.

    Jayne - I'll try to direct him to your place.

    Nina - We do so love having the migrant visitors; especially the grosbeaks.

    Fishing guy - Thanks a lot.

    Bird girl - I thought he was lovely as well. Not so much red, but what a great posture.

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