Dear Finger Lakes Bird Nerds,
Have you ever had one of those moments where you finally see something everyone’s been raving about? And why not, It’s much like unearthing treasure! Well, I’m still waiting for the same thrill with the rose-breasted grosbeak at my feeder. I mean, come on! Meanwhile, all my fellow birders in Central New York, especially those from Cortland County, are posting stunning photos on the Upstate NY Bird Watchers group. I’m just here dreaming of the day I can snap a pic on my iPhone, you know, like a professional wildlife photographer. It’s the little joys, isn’t it? Who knows, my grosbeak discoveries might inspire a coffee table book one day. The title could be “Birdwatching: amateur photos from a clueless photographer.”
In the Winter Time
Grosbeaks are striking birds that migrate from central Mexico to Ecuador, with some reaching Peru. During migration, many pass through the Caribbean, while others stay in the Bahamas, Cuba, and other islands for the winter. They favor areas with fruiting trees, shade-coffee plantations, and the edges of various tropical forests. I’m thinking it would be great to catch up with them in St. Thomas this fall!
The Brightly Colored Male
The males will swoop in as they’re heading to a celebrity wedding. They flaunt their sharp black and white tuxedos, with a flashy red necktie. With their striking feathers, they’re the show-offs of the avian world. Males measure about 8 inches. Their wingspan stretches to 12 inches.
Be ready with your camera. These guys are faster than your dog when you mention “Treats”!
The Refined Female
The female radiates a graceful elegance, blending into her environment like a mistress of disguise. She dresses in a lovely brown outfit, accented with a distinctive whitish stripe above her eye, known as the supercilium. With a hearty bill designed for cracking seeds, she’s ready to snack like a stoner with the munchies.
Food Preference
Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks love black-oil sunflower seeds. If you want to attract grosbeaks, use a large feeder. These large birds can squeeze onto a tube feeder, but you’ll have better luck with a platform feeder. Sadly, I had to remove my platform feeder because mourning doves crowded out the songbirds.
Not having any luck with sunflower feeders? Grosbeaks will often check out oriole feeders. After all, they must be missing the tropical food they eat during the winter months.
Which island do you want to visit next winter? I’m checking airfare to the Caribbean as I write this.
Until next time, drop me a comment if you’ve seen a Rose-Breasted Grosbeak at your feeder. And hopefully capture better pictures than I do.
Sources
Identify and Attract a Rose-Breasted Grosbeak
Rural Perspectives: The rose-breasted grosbeak returns here each May
Check out 5 types of grosbeaks backyard birders should know. Courtesy of Birds and Blooms
