Rose-breasted grosbeak in Ocean Grove. PG photo
By Eileen and Paul Goldfinger
We’ve been watching backyard birds for many years. We used to live in a semi-rural area in Morris County where there was a large variety of birds to feed and watch. We didn’t think that we would have much luck in OG, but we have seen quite a few interesting birds here. Today, however, we saw a species that we have never seen. We looked into our backyard, and at our feeders were two pair of rose-breasted grosbeaks. The male is black with a startling splash of red in front. They are about 7 inches long. The female is a light tan with white stripes. She is smaller and doesn’t look anything like her male counterpart. These birds are found in Canada and across the US, but they are uncommon in backyards.
Something weird was happening today: we also saw four grey catbirds and one male rufus towhee. We also heard a report that someone in a nearby town also spotted the grosbeaks.
rufus towhee (internet photo)
Let us know if you see any unusual birds in town. Maybe there is something special going on in the bird world. We also heard that there is a vast migration of Admiral butterflies in the area. They are heading north.
Admiral butterfly. Migration currently in progress. Internet photo
I had some Catbirds at my feeder today, too. And I’ve had a fair number of Towhees–all females–pecking around all week. (The one in your photo is a male; the females are brown where the males are black. Oh, and they’re also known as Eastern Towhees.) For several years I’d see a Rose-Breasted Grosbeak here, though usually in late March. They’re beautiful birds.
Kathy: Are these bird names capitalized or not? It seems to be done both ways. Our towhee is a male. Our grosbeaks are eating voraciously at our feeders. They are very skittish and they fly away at the slightest provocation.
Thanks for confirming these sightings in OG. Paul
I wasn’t sure about capitalization either. Thought the capitalization made it easier to read, though, especially for Eastern Towhee. Please tell those grosbeaks that I’ve got food over here. I’d love to see them.
Today a bright yellow goldfinch showed up for about 10 seconds in our backyard and then vanished. This is a sight to savor if one shows up at your house. They tend to come in early spring and to travel in flocks. So before they get the flock out of here, hang a thistle (Niger) seed feeder to attract them. If they land in a tree, it can look like a Christmas tree.
Hi – we too have seen birds this year that have not frequented our birdfeeders before. Especially some of the bigger ones that you would think would be eating the insects instead of the feeder. We have been enjoying especially a couple of cowbirds (picture attached). The male comes up to our kitchen window and pecks as if he sees another male in the window. Always enjoy your photos.