Decatur, Illinois

by Penni Matticks
(Decatur, IL, USA)

I had rose-breasted grosbeaks last Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I thought they had moved on, but one was just outside my window when I opened the blinds this morning.

I have a variety of things outside for the birds (oranges, grape jelly, thistle, peanuts, black-oiled sunflower seeds, suet), but the grosbeaks were fighting over the suet.

I had at least 3 males (I saw all 3 at the same time) and one female. At first, I thought the female was a sparrow ... but knew she was too big to be.

I was wondering if there's a chance that they may nest here, or will they move further north? I love them! :)