The first female rose-breasted grosbeak just showed up

  • Thread starter Thread starter turbo
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the observation of rose-breasted grosbeaks and other bird species, particularly in the context of changing seasonal patterns and their implications for local bird populations. Participants share personal experiences and observations related to birdwatching, nesting behaviors, and the impact of warmer weather on bird migration and behavior.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses affection for rose-breasted grosbeaks, noting the males' singing and the females' camouflage for nesting.
  • Concerns are raised about the implications of warmer weather leading to earlier migrations of various bird species, potentially affecting the presence of traditional local birds.
  • Another participant shares their experience at Pt Defiance Park, observing juvenile male birds and suggesting that the warm weather may have influenced their behavior.
  • A humorous remark is made about the term "Hornithologists" in relation to birdwatching.
  • There is a mention of needing an addendum to Peterson's guide, with a playful inquiry about its publication source.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants share personal observations and experiences, but there is no consensus on the broader implications of these observations or the impact of climate change on bird populations.

Contextual Notes

Participants express personal preferences for certain bird species and reflect on changes in their local environment, but the discussion does not delve into specific scientific studies or data to support their claims.

Who May Find This Useful

Birdwatching enthusiasts, individuals interested in local wildlife, and those curious about the effects of climate change on bird migration patterns may find this discussion relevant.

turbo
Insights Author
Gold Member
Messages
3,154
Reaction score
57
I love these birds! The males are wonderful singers. The females are mottled brown and white, to help hide their nests against predators and protect the babies. They are coming north sooner and sooner though, and I wonder what will happen to the other birds as the weather gets warmer and allows other species to creep toward us earlier and earlier. As much as I like colorful song-birds, I want to see chickadees, nuthatches, creepers, and other species that have been fixtures since my childhood. Yes, I am greedy enough not to want change (at least not in my birds!).

I hope to get another nesting pair of common yellow-throats around here this year. They are quite diligent about patrolling my garden and picking bugs off the tomatoes, chilies, etc. Nice calls (not long enough to be "songs") and very good neighbors. The male would post himself on a garden-stake and watch over his mate while she would explore all the garden plants to gather bugs to feed the nestlings.
 
Biology news on Phys.org
I was at Pt Defiance Park last night. It was warm and sunny, which probably explains why there were so many juvenile males watching all the Double-Breasted Bed Thrashers.
 
lisab said:
I was at Pt Defiance Park last night. It was warm and sunny, which probably explains why there were so many juvenile males watching all the Double-Breasted Bed Thrashers.
:smile:
 
lisab said:
I was at Pt Defiance Park last night. It was warm and sunny, which probably explains why there were so many juvenile males watching all the Double-Breasted Bed Thrashers.

Does that make them Hornithologists?
 
lisab said:
I was at Pt Defiance Park last night. It was warm and sunny, which probably explains why there were so many juvenile males watching all the Double-Breasted Bed Thrashers.
I must get that addendum to Peterson's. Is it published by Larry Flynt, or Hefner enterprises?