Saturday, October 31, 2020

Evening Grosbeak

Over the years I've seen Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Japanese Grosbeak, Blue Grosbeak but never ever the best looking of the lot, an Evening Grosbeak. Theres been an influx of them this year, and last Sunday and Monday we spent several hours looking for a flock that Brian saw without success. Out of the blue this afternoon a txt message from Tim sent me haring off like the old twitcher I am in pursuit of a flock at a nearby feeder a few miles away. Tim's message gave the address as M****** Drive and as I headed out of the driveway I asked Siri to navigate to the address. Siri came back with directions to M***** Road so I said no I want M***** Drive. This went on through several iterations until I told her to go and do something  unnatural with the rough end of a Pineapple. I stopped and entered it into the cars built in GPS and it took me to M***** Drive except when I got there the road sign does say Road after all. I apologize Siri. Anyway after waiting for a few minutes the Grosbeak flock flew over the house and into the distance. Oh well I've seen one I thought but I'll give it a few more minutes. They came back.


Evening Grosbeak

Evening Grosbeak

Evening Grosbeak

Evening Grosbeak


Friday, October 30, 2020

Red-breasted Nuthatch

 I saw my first ever Red-breasted Nuthatch about 31 years ago. Not in the US but at Holkham Pines in Norfolk. It was accepted as a first for Britain and certainly a first for me. Lovely bird, lovely call, I saw it several times during its 5 month stay. You could often find it by its call or see it drinking from a gutter on the old summer house.


This year I've got at least 3 hanging around the yard. I'm keeping the feeder well stocked up with black sunflower seed in the hope of attracting a flock of Evening Grosbeak. Hoping. In the meantime here's a few of the Nuthatch from today.


Red-breasted Nuthatch

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Red-breasted Nuthatch




Thursday, October 29, 2020

A few more from Tuesday

As we're currently being swiped by Tropical Storm Zeta I'm inside in the warmth and dryness of the living room with a nice cup of English Breakfast.


Carolina wren
Dark-eyed Junco

White-breasted Nuthatch