Evening grosbeaks - uncommon visitors

Can you see them in this mixture of the last of the leaves on the Siberian elm, the blue spruce against the drive shed, and the farmhouse and snowy farm fields beyond? It took me a while to figure out where they were in this tree, they blend in with the yellowing leaves.

Yesterday returning from a walk with the dogs, eyes to the ground, deep in thought I heard the rush of wings and looked up to see a flock of Evening grosbeaks heading away from one of my feeders. Grosbeaks! Evening grosbeaks I thought with great excitement. And then Oh no - I've scared them away. I snuck around the far side of the house in the hopes that the birds had moved only to the tree that leans against the deck where I consistently spread black oil sunflower seeds.

Yes, they were still there!

I whispered to the dogs and got them in the house, grabbed my camera and went up to the guest bedroom in my wee loft. The tree was closest to that window.

Many photos later, I was satisfied, and thought to myself I have to tell my brother, and then,  I wish Dad could see them!

That is really what underlies the great excitement, the desire to capture these lovely birds with my camera: my father's excitement when we would see them in our backyard in the city. They were not regular visitors to feeders so it was an excitement. He taught me all about being fascinated with birds in particular and nature in general.

I will have to post the rest of the photos in my next blog - the program has decided I have no more room to put up photos unless I purchase more space - not going to happen... so until next time - I'll show you the close-ups then... but I'm still excited that these lovely birds dropped by. For a brief visit anyway and hope they return again. There were about 20 or so in the flock. Such a treat - and may you have a treat today - something to make you excited!