Black-headed Grosbeaks in the yard.
Very exciting. I haven't seen Black-headed Grosbeaks in my yard for a couple of years.
I had one show up Friday morning, a female. In fact, judging by the pictures I took, I believe there were at least two females enjoying the sunflower seeds I've put out.
Friday morning I also got a brief glimpse of a male Bullock's Oriole that flushed from the yard. I had gone out to feed my Western Scrub Jay his peanuts. When I first saw the shadow over my head I assumed it was Scrubby but then I saw the brilliant orange and realized it was an oriole. Darn. I would have loved a good look at him, plus a few pictures.
Saturday morning I was able to get some nice shots of the female Black-headed Grosbeak. (The ones I took Friday weren't so great).
While watching the birds out my window yesterday I briefly saw a male Black-headed Grosbeak. I sure wish he'd spend some time at my feeders. I'd really love a good picture of the male.
I had a few warblers in the yard yesterday morning as well. They moved through my garden so quickly that I couldn't get a clear look at them. But I believe they were a Yellow Warbler and an Orange-crowned Warbler.
I'm headed to Baltimore on Thursday. I'm going to the Preakness, It's a horse race. It's the 2nd leg of the Triple Crown.
I've added an extra day to my trip so I can have a day to bird watch. I'm planning to spend Friday morning birding at the Cylburn Arboretum. Fingers crossed to add some life birds. At the top of my wish list is a Pileated Woodpecker, closely followed by a Rose-breasted Grosbeak. But I'm not too choosey, I'll take anything I can get. Also hoping to get some good photos of a male Northern Cardnial and a Blue Jay. Both birds I've seen before but wasn't able to get photos.
Any owl sightings would be fantastic. The Great Horned Owl is listed as a resident at the Cylburn Arboretum so I'm very hopeful.
Attached photo of the female Black-headed Grosbeak
Attachment(s): BHG3.jpg