Rose Breasted Grosbeaks in Trussville, AL

by Julie

May 4, 2013 - We've had a group of Rose Breasted Grosbeaks visiting our feeders for over 3 weeks now. We have seen as many as 8 individuals at one time. Last weekend, I was able to see and photograph 4 females & 3 males together at one time.
We have several feeders with a variety of food: a commercial nut, fruit & berry blend; basic finch-type food (millet, sunflower seeds); a couple of suet feeders that I have been filling with various suet/seed/fruit blends; and a seed block. The grosbeaks are sampling all of it! Last weekend, I had squirrel "ka-bob" - a corn & sunflower seed brick - to try to divert squirrels. The grosbeaks went for it - I don't think the squirrels ever got a chance!
This week, my husband was able to video and photograph a grosbeak showing the red flashes under his wing - the bird was sitting on a branch and trying to get suet. Instead of sitting on the suet cage, he was flapping his wings and stretching for the bottom of the feeder. Pretty clown-like behavior for such a regal looking bird. We have thoroughly enjoyed the grosbeaks and the Indigo Bunting they seem to have brought with them. Thanks for giving me a chance to share our observations.