LIFE'S BETTER IN THE MOUNTAINS

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.

10 comments:

troutbirder said...

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

Twisted Fencepost said...

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

The Birdlady said...

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

Ruth said...

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

Shelley said...

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

Mary said...

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

Mary :o)

Jayne said...

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

nina at Nature Remains. said...

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

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Carolyn: Those are beautiful photos and a great story.

NCmountainwoman said...

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.