Two of the most common birds at our winter feeder are evening grosbeaks and pine grosbeaks. The males are particularly striking in colour. Evening grosbeaks males are yellow, black and white. Pine grosbeaks are red, grey and white. My interpretation of their behaviour is that the evening grosbeaks are the brash ones, whereas the pine grosbeaks are the stately ones – gentle and firm. When they move in, every other bird moves away. No pushing, no shoving – they just land.
Male pine grosbeak
I enjoy watching both bird species at the feeder. A cup of coffee in one hand, my binoculars at the ready, and my camera with its smooth focusing 100 – 400 image stabilizing lens in the other. Each day has its unique moments.
