Scientists from the Finch Research Network were out in Corvallis this week, seeking to find the Evening Grosbeak. Having lost over 90% of its resident population in the United States since 1970, the bird is the subject of intense study to determine its present risk status.
Our daughter Saskia and her husband Kevin invited the scientists to their backyard where their bird feeders have been attracting the grosbeaks.
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He’s an early scout, making sure the area is safe…
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Meanwhile, on the ground nearby, there were two other visitors eating food that may have been left by the scientists to attract the Evening Grosbeaks.
“Yummmm…”
A Spotted Towhee, trying to munch on seeds.
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“The gangs all here!”…
Actually, just a small part of the gang… Saskia said there were about 50 or so of the birds in their yard at any one time. There are many 100s, maybe many 1,000s in the Corvallis area temporarily.
In a flash, they all disappeared! These birds, and about 50 of their buddies in an adjoining giant tree, suddenly burst out of the area! In a moment we saw the cause of the sudden departure… a Red Tailed Hawk sailed by, looking for dinner.
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Not to be deterred, the Evening Grosbeaks had a strategy… “And the Scout came back!”
We saw him sitting quietly in the nearby giant tree. Pretty soon, he started singing the all clear and was joined by another scout who also chimed in. Then the group of 50 or so, flew back into the giant tree.
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Before long, they were back at the bird feeder…
The female’s bill is open slightly to crack a seed. About 40 feet away, we could hear the cracking sounds.
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That was my visit with the migrating Evening Grosbeak visitors!
May your daily life be blessed with surprises such as this…
We’ll see you next Sunday!
Grace and peace to you,
Art Mills, photographer and writer, and Thea Mills, editor.
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