This is the fourth summer that the same flock of grosbeaks has visited my yard. They don't move into the decorative bird houses because they live 200ft up in the pine trees and I don't have a ladder that tall. They do however, come several times daily (read constantly) to feed at the wooden birdfeeders and to drink and swim in the garden birdbath fountain. This little flock was about 22 strong when they came back this spring, I am guessing we have more than 40 now. There about 12 individual fledglings that I can recognize at the birdfeeders.

Most of them are 'evening' grosbeaks colored with bright white, black and yellow chevrons but a couple are some strange mix. I get a great chance to observe them as they come in for meals at the windmill bird feeder, they love the wide platform since they are fairly large and sturdy birds. The babies are almost full grown and eating up a storm getting ready for their migration to Mexico (I think). The funny colored mama has hatched 3 kids and I can tell they are hers by their odd feather patterns.

I have to take the time to bring in all the bird feeders every night. Whether it is decorative bird feeders or the wooden bird feeders they are at risk from the bears and raccoons. I have probably replaced over $100 of birdfeeders this year alone (due to my own forgetfulness). I finally have pictures of those rascally raccoons on the deck trying to get into the seed can.

If I don't get up early enough I hear all about it from the whole flock. They send out spotters to prod me into action and then report back when I rehang the birdfeeders. They will sit by my front door on a decorative bird house with no tenants and chirp at me until I get breakfast out. They also let me know if the birdfeeders are empty at any time during the day. I work at home and leave the front door open, they definitely know where to find me if they want something. They are so amusing I will miss them in the winter and always look forward to their return. They show up a few weeks after the robins get back.