I saw flashes of him several times. But never when I was outside with the camera. I knew he would soon be joined by others but their time among us would be brief. So I spent quite a bit of time hoping for a photograph. Of one of my favorite migrants, the Rose-breasted Grosbeak. The males come first and stay a week or so and then the females join them for a few days. The males travel on their southward journey and we enjoy the females for another week or so. They stay in our area to rest and refuel for the remainder of their journey to Central America or South America.
The Rose-breasted Grosbeak is about the size of an American Robin. In spring they have a song similar to the robin, only more beautiful. As if a robin took singing lessons. The grosbeaks do not nest here and we are treated to them only during the spring and fall migrations.
Finally. I'm there with my camera and the bird appears. The bird I've been looking for.
Getting a drink from the bird bath.
Oh, you are gorgeous. I do wish you would turn around.
The bird turns around and sees me. He is not at all sure if he will stay in my presence.
You talking to me?
Oh, yes. You are almost as pretty as you are in spring.
Thank you for visiting us.
I sometimes feel a bit guilty photographing birds who clearly notice me. This one did not take another drink after he saw me. He quickly decided he was too uncomfortable to stay and off he flew. When he did I moved away so he could come back for a snack and a drink.
We will enjoy these bright male Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and will be a bit sad when we see the first of the migrating females. That will mean the days of seeing this beautiful rosy breast will soon end. But there will be other days and other new birds.
I won't even turn on the television during the day. I'll be outdoors. The beautiful news of the migration outside is a wonderful diversion from the frightening reality series of politics.
14 comments:
To my knowledge, I have never seen a rose-breasted grosbeak. I would love to--we live in a fairly untreed suburban neighborhood, so birds have to be brave to stop by.
It is wondrously diverting to stop and observe the gifts nature brings to us.
I love that you get to see this beautiful Rose-breasted Grosbeak. We got to see one once in April of 2011 when we were still living the the Sierra foothills. It was about a thousand miles out of its range. Such a beautiful bird, how lucky you get to see them during their migrations.
We have these lovely little ones around here, and I never get tired of seeing them. But I've never been lucky enough to get a good picture of them!
I hope you're doing well, and I hope your week is off to a good start!
You got some great shots, even if he wasn't happy with the intrusion.
Lucky you. I have only seen one in my lifetime. They may pass through here but never long enough for me to catch a pic of one. Great shots.
I have only seen photos of this bird in magazines, so it was great to see this capture on your blog. Glad your patience paid off and I too would much rather be outdoors than inside.
Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are so beautiful, I'm so pleased you were able to photograph this and share.
All the best Jan
What spectacular photos of that grosbeak! They are said to be here sometimes in the fall and spring but I've never seen one. Wow, that male is gorgeous.
We did watch the debate, and it wasn't as bad as I expected. I liked Hillary more after it than before it, which I think is a good sign.
Keep enjoying autumn!
Thanks for the information. I had no idea that the male and female Grosbeaks did not travel together. I, too, love their brief visits.
So lovely! They seem to notice me. And they often are not too terribly partial to being photographed!! ;-)
*Love* his red breast!!! :-)
Yes they clearly have had singing lessons - the Robins not so much. We had our first pair of nesting RBG's this summer in our woods and even got to see their two youngsters...:)
Thanks for your comments, everyone.
Chiming in late here:
I remember seeing my first ever RBG in my yard many years ago here in NEO. I was so excited. Sadly, it was, thus far, my last. As a bird enthusiast, it was quite a Score. Thanks for the pictures.
Post a Comment