Wednesday, May 04, 2011

Evening Grosbeaks Displaying

Evening Grosbeaks are a sought after species for many. I have what I am sure is the rare good fortune to have them in my yard every month of the year. They disappeared briefly during late winter, but they are back in force.

Yesterday in the late afternoon, I watched five males displaying for females. It appears to be early in the courtship. The displays did not have a lot of animation and the females did not seem to care much. But soon ...

The crest is raised - the wings are partly open showing off the bright white patches - the tail is slightly cocked. When a female shows some interest, or is in closer proximity, then the tail cocks upward much more dramatically, and the wings flutter ...




And then there are the eternal questions: Does she notice? Does she care?


Good birding!

10 comments:

Jason Kessler said...

Beautiful pix of a beautiful bird, and one I'm still seeking. Thanks for posting.

Kelly said...

...cool post, Chris! The first photo is stunning! I would probably faint if one showed up in my backyard! You're very lucky...

Chris said...

wow what a luck to get them around your yard all over the year!!! That's for sure really nice... your post is splendid with this nice displays and the nice legends!! Well done on these shots Chris, they are really really splendid!

eileeninmd said...

WOW, just gorgeous. Fantastic sighting and photos.

Folkways Note Book said...

Such good fortune you have to have these lovely birds in your yard year round -- barbara

cindyzlogic said...

WoW!! Beautiful bird! You're lucky to have them in your yard!! Great photography, Chris!

Debbie Miller @HooootOwl said...

Wow .. love these images, what a beautiful bird!

Hilke Breder said...

Nice shots, particularly the first and the last one with the emerging leaves. I had 3 males and 2 females show up at my feeder yesterday during the rain. I always find them hard to photograph; they always end up looking too grainy and muddled.

swenglishexpat said...

Stunning pictures! Beautiful bird and beautiful photography.

Noushka said...

Not only the photos are beautiful, but I love your comments!!
How she care not?? :)

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