This Rose-breasted Grosbeak that I photographed in Steve Creek’s yard, isn’t a lifer for me, but these images are the best I have taken so far of this species.
Adult male Rose-breasted Grosbeak in Arkansas – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 1000, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I used to see migrating Rose-breasted Grosbeaks in Florida when I lived there. They were often mostly hidden from view, backlit, or too far away for me to take high-quality images of them.
Yesterday, Steve spotted three of these grosbeaks from inside his house, and we both hoped to get photos of them. Of course, once we were ready to do that, those males took off or hid from our view.
Other birds were coming in, though, so we sat outside watching, photographing, and listening to the birds in his yard.
Male Rose-breasted Grosbeak checking out the seed feeder – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 1000, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
After about an hour, this male Rose-breasted Grosbeak flew in for a few minutes and gave us several different poses from a couple of perches. My pulse sped up, but it was my camera’s shutter button that got a workout!
Adult male Rose-breasted Grosbeak on spring migration – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 1000, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I was tickled pink, or maybe it was a shade of rose, to have this grosbeak species up close in my viewfinder for as long as he stayed.
Handsome male Rose-breasted Grosbeak – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 1000, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The grosbeak waited patiently for an opening at the feeder because there were already birds eating seeds, and it was a little crowded. Meanwhile, I believed he was checking Steve and me out while he waited.
Rose-breasted Grosbeak male on migration – Nikon D500, f8 1/400, ISO 1000, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Sure, I could wish that it hadn’t been so cloudy, and that the light would have been better, but it was midday. Without those clouds, the light would have been too harsh and contrasty. Those clouds actually helped me take better photos of this handsome grosbeak during that time of day.
“Everything happens for a reason.” Thank you, Universe!
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see my Rose-breasted Grosbeak photos plus facts and information about this species.
Beautiful images Mia, I am eagerly waiting for some to arrive in my yard any day now, they stay and nest in the area and visit my feeders regularly.
He is one inquisitive bird! Great shots of those super poses!
Wonderful photos of a beautiful bird! I am partial to grosbeaks, albeit black-headed. I still see a close resemblance in the eye and face!
I’ve never seen these birds and they sure are beautiful
For 17 years we lived in a small wooded valley in Nova Scotia, and had 5 or 6 breeding pairs of rose breasted gross beaks every summer. They would come to the feeder every day, and would bring their fledglings when they were able. It was delightful. The bibs of the males were different enough that we could recognize them.
I recorded the first date of arrival every year, and it was within one or two days of 20 May. I’m thinking the birds you saw might be making their way north, and would be on track for the 20 May arrival in NS!!
Absolutely Beautiful Bird and great photos. Thanks for sharing them. 💚
What a beauty he is – and he is assuredly checking you out.