Chirps and Cheeps

A couple of afternoons ago, totally immersed in my work, I did a double-take as I gave a quick glance up from my computer to the feeder outside my office window. What?!  I looked back. It took me a full few seconds to realize I was looking at a stunning Rose-breasted Grosbeak.  He was quite unaware of the effect he was having on me and calmly took his time chomping on sunflower seeds. Another life list addition!

I surreptitiously, slowly, slid my camera over with one hand and turned it on with the other, raising it slowly and began shooting.  I managed to get several decent shots - pretty much all the same as he did nothing but sit and eat.  He came back later this evening and I got a few shots of him up in the pine tree out back, however, the rainy evening and dismal lighting only produced poor shots not worth posting.

I heard via the news group that this is a little early for Rose-breasted Grosbeaks. I also read that the males usually precede the females as they migrate, but some of the folks in the newsgroup dispute this fact, so I don't know - but I still haven't seen a female yet!