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Evening Grosbeaks Return

Evening Grosbeak (Coccothraustes vespertinus) photos by Larry Jordan

Being home for the long weekend I was able to do some backyard photography (between chores) and what better subject could you ask for than a brightly colored, gregarious pair of Evening Grosbeaks (Coccothraustes vespertinus)?  Click on photos for full sized images.

Note the size of the Lesser Goldfinch in the foreground of the top photo compared to the male Evening Grosbeak.

Also notice how elegant is this female with the greenish beak, indicative of breeding season plumage.

When Evening Grosbeaks arrived in my yard two and a half months ago, their beaks were white.  Now they have this even more alluring look sporting that sexy green beak!

Don’t you love that black and white pattern on the female’s wings and tail?

And the male with his prominent white wing patch.

I leave you with the female Evening Grosbeak sipping water from the waterfall.

To see more great bird photos from around the world, check out World Bird Wednesday and join in the fun!

Comments on this entry are closed.

  • Abraham Lincoln May 31, 2011, 2:36 am

    I enjoyed your post about these birds. I do sometimes see and photograph the rose-breasted grosbeaks but not this year so far.

  • Boom & Gary May 31, 2011, 3:36 am

    We’ve got them too!! They are the most colourful of all. Boom & Gary of the vermilon River, Canada.

  • TexWisGirl May 31, 2011, 4:44 am

    they’re just gorgeous birds! i love how their beak turns such a pearly green! beautiful! have never seen one in person.

  • Alex Washoe May 31, 2011, 12:01 pm

    I love the Evening Grosbeak photos. I recently had a Black-headed Grosbeak in my yard and he was quite striking (like a Robin with snazzier markings.) Its great that you caught the beaks changing colors.

  • theconstantwalker May 31, 2011, 12:13 pm

    Beautiful birds to see…your images are fantastic to see …many thanks for sharing.

  • MaineBirder May 31, 2011, 12:24 pm

    Beautiful captures Larry! The Evening Grosbeak is such a beautiful bird.

  • Mick May 31, 2011, 1:06 pm

    Great photos of very beautiful and colorful birds.

  • Eileen May 31, 2011, 2:02 pm

    Gorgeous birds and great photo, Larry!

  • springman May 31, 2011, 2:38 pm

    I so love these birds. Gary had Evening grosbeaks too at Vermilon River. His did not have the wondrous green beaks yet that he mentioned. These takes are fantastic, what a treat to see this bird photographed so beautifully!

  • Ken Schneider May 31, 2011, 4:04 pm

    Excellent series of photos and narrative, Larry. My favorite feeder bird when I lived in the mountains of New Mexico, but they rarely stayed on to breed. The size comparison with the Lesser Goldfinch is very instructive.

  • holdingmoments May 31, 2011, 7:27 pm

    They certainly are beauties.

  • Pat June 1, 2011, 10:08 am

    Great captures of these beautiful birds!

  • Sondra June 1, 2011, 12:43 pm

    Stunning photos!! the Male and Female are beautiful!

  • dreamfalcon June 4, 2011, 2:43 am

    oops – my comment landed somehow at the sandhill post…

  • Arija June 4, 2011, 3:48 am

    Beautiful, love the hims and hers outfits,

  • Mike B. June 6, 2011, 8:41 pm

    Those are awesome shots! Haven’t seen a grosbeak in the yard yet. I hope I do.