Bowdoin BirdsSpring, 2008

Evening Grosbeak Male.These colorful birds visitdeciduous woodlands andsuburban areas. In spring,an outer coating on thebill peels off exposing theblue-green color beneath.This was our first view ofa male of this species.

Female evening grosbeak flies in for a landing with the male.

These grosbeaks only visited for two consecutive days.

The Evening Grosbeak pair was a delight to have around.

Rose-breasted Grosbeak Male

This species is in the samefamily as cardinals. The heavy, pinkish bill is aprominent characteristic.They eat potato beetlesand larvae, so they aregreat to have around yourvegetable garden.

Such a handsome profile. My, what big nostrils you have.

Rose-breasted Grosbeak Male.We know spring has sprung when these grosbeaks arrive.Check out his gorgeous blackand white patterning.

Blue Jays are in the samefamily as crows andmagpies. Even though theyenjoy sunflower seeds, they are known to buryacorns for later retrieval.

Blue Jays may be ratherraucous, but we enjoy thefew that visit our feeder.They tend to be very shyand fly off if we try to gooutdoors to photographthem.