Swapping Grosbeaks in Oregon

With the change in weather from the rains of early spring to a sudden spell of unexpected sun and unseasonably warm weather, the Evening Grosbeaks suddenly left northwest Oregon on their continued migration north. Their loud “cheerups” are no longer being heard from the high branches of the evergreens.

Fortunately, the northwest is not entirely grosbeak free. The Black-headed Grosbeaks have been increasing their numbers and will remain for weeks to come. Only the other day a number of images of them were downloaded from the BirdCam near one of our feeders.

Unlike the Evening Grosbeaks, the Black-headed Grosbeaks are not picky as to the style of feeders they will frequent, so the opportunities for photographing them are far greater than their more persnickety black, yellow, and tan cousins.