Evening Grosbeaks Irrupt at the American Birding Association

EVGRpair05302012 — Evening Grosbeak Pair

Evening Grosbeak Pair (Coccothraustes vespertinus) photos by Larry Jordan

That massive beak sported by the Evening Grosbeak (Coccothraustes vespertinus) turns from white to a pearly yellowish-green in breeding season (click on photos for full sized images).

I was fortunate to have a flock of these beauties visit me last summer. Here you can see a couple of males and several females foraging in my yard.

EVGRflock05302012 — Evening Grosbeak Flock

They are irruptive migrants meaning that they make appearances every couple of years at feeding stations throughout the United States.

EVGRpairAtHopperFeeder05302012 — Evening Grosbeaks at Feeder

If you are lucky enough to have them visit you during one of these irruptions, you might want to stock up on sunflower seed.

EVGRsOnTrayFeeder05302012 — Evening Grosbeaks at Feeder

Enjoying their company is well worth the extra seed. They are not only gregarious and active, they are real lookers too. Check out the subtle beauty of this female Evening Grosbeak.

EVGRfemale05302012 — Evening Grosbeak Female in Breeding Plumage

The male in breeding plumage is very brightly colored and easily identifiable.

EVGRmaleFull05302012 — Evening Grosbeak Male in Breeding Plumage

Another look at the female from the back showing the gray and white pattern on her wings and her spotted tail.

EVGRfemaleBack05302012 — Evening Grosbeak Female in Breeding Plumage

Here she is in the Eucalyptus tree over the pond showing the yellow wash on her neck and flanks.

EVGRfemaleFull305302012 — Evening Grosbeak Female in Breeding Plumage

They decided that it was safe to visit the water feature where they could drink and bathe.

EVGRmaleWithFemaleInBackground05302012 — Evening Grosbeak Male in Breeding Plumage

Note the size of the male Evening Grosbeak compared to the Lesser Goldfinch in the foreground. They are a stout bird at about 8 inches in size.

EVGRmaleWithLEGO05302012 — Evening Grosbeak Male in Breeding Plumage

Isn’t she pretty?

EVGRfemaleFull05302012 — Evening Grosbeak Female in Breeding Plumage

Don’t they make a nice couple?

EVGRpairTwo600X05302012 — Evening Grosbeak Par in Breeding Plumage

To see more great bird photos from around the world, check out Anni’s Bird D’pot at “I’d Rather Be Birdin.” Also check out the American Birding Association’s Bird of the Year!

Larry Jordan

Larry Jordan is an avid birder and amateur photographer living on the Pacific Flyway near the Central Valley of Northern California. He is a board member of his local Audubon Society and is a bird and wildlife conservationist. Larry contributes to several wildlife conservation organizations and is a BirdLife International "Species Champion." He is also Habitat Manager for the Burrowing Owl Conservation Network, an organization dedicated to the protection and restoration of the Western Burrowing Owl population in the United States. Larry has been blogging about birds since September of 2007 at TheBirdersReport.com