Last year we had more than a hundred Evening Grosbeaks daily during the winter months and had bird watchers coming from quite a distance to our home to catch a glimpse of them. You can see them here: http://youtu.be/niYlcaRooHs. They were quite ok with me standing on the deck capturing them on video.
This year we have about 20 who show up 4 or 5 days a week. They're apparently even rarer here than other years. They are extremely skittish and fly away for the rest of the day if they even see me in the window.
The yellow one in front is the male and the bird behind him is the female. I've posted a few pics of the female already.
Also, if you've viewed the video and you're interested in the pale bird, that bird is "leucistic" --- where the bird has a genetic mutation that prevents pigment from being properly deposited in some of the feathers. There's been a leucistic robin about 20 km from here for a couple of years now.
Wow on this photo AND Wow on your info. Great candid of these flighty little guys. You've got the most beautiful photos of birds that one can imagine, Anne.
This is a lovely shot with great bokeh, but the video is spectacular. I especially liked seeing the brave woodpecker in the middle and the pale female. You are lucky to have so much bird life around you.
What a spectacular video. You have soooo many birds that come to you feed. Wonderfully crisp and colorful shot for today. The pale female is quite lovely too.
@digitalrn yes, rick, they really chatter a lot. take a peek at the video if you have minute and you'll see what i mean. they're a noisy lot when they're all together. many thanks for dropping by. i really appreciate your continued support.
Wow! I LOVE the video! They are beautiful birds! I laughed when I saw the woodpecker mingling in the group. I wish we had them here! Awesome video and pic, Anne!!! :0)
Back in university, I took two years of a class in birds that counted for both my math and science credit. Your added detail is interesting to me but your pictures and video are a real delight. One of my favorite books is a bird book called "secrets of the nest"
@pandorasecho awe, thanks dixie, i appreciate the kind words. I'm going to keep that title in mind. That university course sounds like a great course. Thanks so much for your ongoing support.
