Carol,
First of all, how wonderful to see a Rose-breasted Grosbeak! And I think you are correct - this bird is migrating. I did just look at their range map and they winter in Central and Northern South America.
One of the things I think we all have noticed is that winds have changed over the last 20 years. And those of us who are older, we can see much change in wind and weather since we were children. From my point of view, winds are stronger and more sustained. And storms are more fierce. And this does affect birds - particularly in spring and fall when they are either migrating or simply moving around. One of the theories as to why House Sparrows and European Starlings have exploded in population is that while these birds do move around, they do not migrate. Migration is dangerous for all birds - particularly for younger birds. I am so glad this grosbeak has found a haven in your yard and at your feeders for some probably much needed rest. Is it still there?
Are any of the rest of you seeing migrants in your yard, at your feeders, or wherever you are birding right now? For those of us living east of the Mississippi, Hurricane Helene could have blown birds just about everywhere. Birds are like us and hunker down during storms, but when flying before and after storms, they can get caught in streams and end up in faraway places.
Linda
Carol,
First of all, how wonderful to see a Rose-breasted Grosbeak! And I think you are correct - this bird is migrating. I did just look at their range map and they winter in Central and Northern South America.
One of the things I think we all have noticed is that winds have changed over the last 20 years. And those of us who are older, we can see much change in wind and weather since we were children. From my point of view, winds are stronger and more sustained. And storms are more fierce. And this does affect birds - particularly in spring and fall when they are either migrating or simply moving around. One of the theories as to why House Sparrows and European Starlings have exploded in population is that while these birds do move around, they do not migrate. Migration is dangerous for all birds - particularly for younger birds. I am so glad this grosbeak has found a haven in your yard and at your feeders for some probably much needed rest. Is it still there?
Are any of the rest of you seeing migrants in your yard, at your feeders, or wherever you are birding right now? For those of us living east of the Mississippi, Hurricane Helene could have blown birds just about everywhere. Birds are like us and hunker down during storms, but when flying before and after storms, they can get caught in streams and end up in faraway places.
Linda
