Red Breasted Grosbeaks of Industry, PA

by Maureen
(Industry, PA, Beaver County)

I get a lot of these at my sunflower seed only feeders. They don't prefer the mixed seeds. They seem to prefer the type feeder where they can sit on the feeder vs. hanging on a caged feeder but during heavy feeding times, I have seen them on both types. They are very fearless and sometimes don't even leave the feeders if I'm out there working in the yard.
I have four large feeders going and I have had as many as six males and four females at the feeders at the same time. I absolutely love birds and these are a favorite right up there with my Eastern Towhee.
I live in a deep rural valley running northwest from the Ohio River that is heavily wooded on the slopes but I have about 3 acres cut lawns with gardens and a good sized stream running through. I try to preserve old snags and have gardens and mulberry trees and lots of habitat.
One day at my feeders I had several Rose Breasted Grosbeaks, an Eastern Towhee, half a dozen Wild Canaries, AND a Baltimore Oriole who just flew in to check out what the commotion was all about (they don't come to the feeder but nest all along my valley), all males but some female Canaries. Wished I'd gotten THAT picture. I also have seen Scarlet Tanagers, Indigo Buntings and on January 1st some years ago we counted 102 Bluebirds (who I normally don't have) migrating through. I have many hawks and other birds as well too numerous to mention.
My "Rosies" leave early though, they are gone already this year and it's only July 13th. Always sad to see them go!