Grosbeak pairs sighted

by Lynn Khourie
(Hayti, MO, USA)

We live in Hayti, Mo (the Bootheel of MO). I was so excited yesterday to see a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak at our feeders. We have a black oil sunflower feeder and a mixed seed feeder. The male was feeding on both of the feeders. I found myself just sitting and watching him. I had not seen any Grosbeak here in the bootheel of Missouri for about three years.

Imagine my excitement when, by midafternoon, I had three males and two females at the feeder. I got nothing done yesterday because I just sat and watched these beautiful birds. I could not get a picture because the feeders are right outside the window and whenever I would move they would fly away. I tried to be sneaky and just stand there with my camera but it seems they were a little too camera shy because they would not come to the feeders.

I was excited by the Brown-Headed Cowbirds that have been coming but now to get the Rose-Breasted Grosbeak, well, I feel I definitely have bragging rights. I just need to get a picture to go with it. It was fun watching them. One of the males was definitely a dominant one. Every time one of the other males or a female would come to the feeder, he would chase them off. He would let the sparrows stay but not the other Grosbeak. What a greedy guy! I know they will not stay long because they are migrating but I will sure enjoy them while I can.