Once or twice a year, a flock of evening grosbeaks will grace our yard and tree limbs. Nancy saw them last week. There were 20 or more birds fighting for space on the rim of our bird bath. A few flew down to our goldfish pond. They splashed a bit and then were off to who knows where – I assume they were on their way to their breeding grounds in northern carnivorous forests.
Grosbeaks are wanderers, they’re a noisy bunch and highly social. I have never seen them at our feeders, but they have an affinity for sunflower seeds. They are seed cracking machines when given the chance. The flocks forage in trees and bushes with a diet consisting of seeds, berries, and insects. Their range has expanded eastward in recent years, likely due to the planting of Manitoba maples and other shrubs near farms plus the availability of bird feeders during winter.
I noticed these birds were mostly drab in coloration since they are not actively seeking a mate. That will soon change and by the time they return in the fall, they will be in full plumage of gold, black and white. Real beauties! I sure wish they’d stick around.
