Thanks to an AWESOME bird feeding stand my youngest son-in-law made for me this year, we had visitors to our yard we’d never had in the past – Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks.
When I first looked out my kitchen window and saw one happily eating away, I kind of froze – I couldn’t take my eyes off the vividly colorful little beauty. I finally grabbed my camera and took a few pictures. These were taken through my kitchen window, so the pictures aren’t the least bit clear.
You can, however, get a good idea just how beautiful this bird is.
Whenever I say the words, “Rose-Breasted Grosbeak,” I feel like a friend of Jane Hathaway’s from an episode of Beverly Hillbillies – the nerdy birdwatcher.
It’d be so much easier on me if this bird was named something that sounded less “bird nerd” – like Diane or Saul.
At any rate, apparently this migratory bird has already passed through Owensboro, Kentucky because I haven’t seen any at any of our feeders for about three days. Naturally, as soon as my camera is on standby, they’ve moved on.
The thrill we got from seeing a new breed (new to us, anyway!) up close and personal was a great reminder to mix things up at your birdfeeders every now and again. Offer different seeds and different types of feeders. Some birds prefer ground feeding (robins), some prefer hanging feeders (sparrows, finches), and some (like my new friend the Rose-Breasted Grosbeak) seem to prefer a “raised” feeder.
Then there are doves, blackbirds, and cardinals who will pretty much go wherever the seed takes them.
The feeder Rusty built for me offers something for all birds – there’s a raised feeder, hooks for hanging feeders, finch feeders, and hummingbird feeders, and even a couple of spots for squirrel corn.
This bird and squirrel lover is going to have an especially fun summer.
I apologize for the pictures being fuzzy, it’s next to impossible to get a clear picture through glass.
I had this beautiful visitor this week! Just the other day, approx 7 pm ~ I was checking the feeders, and this beauty came to the feeder right next to our patio area, very close to the house. I hurried for my camera also 🙂 This was a first for me, seeing a rose-breasted grosbeak, and of course this gorgeous bird instantly caught my eye, (I’ve not seen him since but definitely will be watching).
Have a male at my feeder at this very moment. Leitchfield, Ky
I have four males at my hanging safflower feeders in Lexington today! I had never seen this bird before and was trying to figure out what they were. Your pictures provided a positive ID! 🙂
I have had one in the West Louisville/St. Joseph Ky area 4/30/2017 First time I have ever seen a ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK Its been raining off and on all day so I placed the feeders on the front porch in front of a full glass storm door and I have seen all kinds of birds but they sure have made a mess.
I left a reply but forgot to say I made several pictures of the male ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK but I am also wondering if the other bird coming
to the feeder was the female ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK but I don’t know. I also got pictures of that one too but it is a drab light brown with a streak on white over the eyes The head was darker than the rest of the body . Also have pictures of that one too but don’t know how to enlarge and post pictures 4/30/2017
Had a male Red Breasted Grospeak at my feeder this morning. Live in Lagrange, KY Harrods creek area. Last week saw a Bald Eagle for the first time cruising
Harrods. 4/27/19
I want to see that feeder Rusty made. I had 3 red breasted visit last week for my first time.
I just saw 2 this morning. I’ve never seen them before. Beautiful birds! I am in Hancock County Ky at Weber about 20 miles SE is Owensboro.
I just got to see on today on my feeder and was thrilled to see a bird I’ve never seen before. What a beauty!!