Backyard bird bonanza

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The migratory birds in the backyard have been a special treat lately. The first to arrive were the rose-breasted grosbeaks (Pheucticus ludovicianus). The name is obvious when you see the strikingly-marked male, while the female reminds me of a large sparrow. We often see these birds for a few days each spring and fall as they migrate through.

We also saw black-and-white (Mniotilta varia), yellow-rumped (Setophaga coronata), and Nashville warblers (Oreothlypis ruficapilla) and a Baltimore oriole (Icterus galbula). We were especially surprised to see an indigo bunting (Passerina cyanea) and a scarlet tanager (Piranga olivacea) – the first time we’ve seen either one in our backyard.

Click any photo for a larger image.

The grosbeaks spent most of their time eating sunflower seeds. The other birds appeared to be drawn by our small water feature. We know these birds are just passing through and it was exciting to see all of them in one day.

15 thoughts on “Backyard bird bonanza”

  1. We saw a Baltimore Oriole pause briefly in our yard yesterday and today a Scarlet Tanager checked out the oranges we have out for the orioles. This is the first time we have ever seen a Scarlet Tanager in our neck of the woods! They’re so beautiful 🙂

  2. Wow, Betty … you had some wonderful avian visitors! I have seen grosbeaks in our yard, but none of the others. You have clearly created a kind of bird B & B that these travellers flock to (sorry, couldn’t resist). Thanks for sharing the wealth!

    1. Patsy, I like your idea. Maybe I’ll get a sign – “Halls’ Bird and Butterfly B & B” (just kidding). Glad to share via the blog. Just wish everyone see these beautiful creatures.

  3. Betty, this is just fantastic! You not only saw the birds but you were able to get some good photographs, too. Thank you so much for sharing.

    Come visit me, beautiful birds. I’m only moments away as the grosbeak flies!

    1. Ann, I’ve been telling the birds what a beautiful spot you have – one they absolutely must see. Hope it works. ☺

    1. Yes, on both accounts, Regina. If I could predict when they will appear. then I could share the birds with you, just as you shared your Red Admirals with me.

    1. Thanks, Carter. It was a good show. Expect you can related after your Bald Eagle and Pileated Woodpecker experiences.

  4. Great bird photos, Betty. I had two unusual visitors in my yard this Spring: A yellow-bellied sapsucker and a rufous-sided towhee. Glad I have my binoculars and bird reference book handy near the window!

    1. Glad to hear of your visitors, Kathy. And good for you as to keeping binoculars and bird guide handy. I have a sense that many backyard birds are never seen. Our Rose-breasted grosbeaks stayed about a week then so nothing of this week until this morning when we had another male on the sunflower feeder. I suggested he drop by to see you and hope he will. ☺

    1. Keli, I’m having fun trying to imagine the words that go with Halls B&BB&B. Wwould be glad to know your take on that.

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