PINE GROSBEAK

Through the years, I have observed that people have the opinion that winter in the north woods is bleak, cold and colorless. I suspect these are the reasons each winter, that I lose many friends to the enticement of the sunny south.

Mary and I spent 5 years traveling to the southwest for a few weeks in the winter. We had a marvelous time and thoroughly enjoyed the wildlife, birds and golf. It was quite relaxing and we spent almost every waking moment, from sunrise to sunset hiking the desert. The area was alive with birds, bobcats, coyotes and species too numerous to name. I can readily identify with the lure of the warm sunshine areas.

Building our new home on Cedar Ridge abruptly pulled the plug on the call of the south. Our daily and nightly encounters with birds and animals grew into what we as kids called "chores." These duties include filling the suet tree and post, a number of seed feeders, a heated bird bath and a feeder for flying squirrels. I have mentioned the black buck who has returned for five years, dodging hunters, wolves, subzero weather and highway 61... he comes many times a day for his treat of corn. I could ramble on for hours on the different animals and birds that have brightened and touched our lives in the winter. We are pleasantly "stuck" here in the Arrowhead for the duration.

The prior post on the waxwings is a good example of a feathered visitor that trumps winter bleakness. Their colors and silky look are impressive to say the least; especially when a large flock descends and gorges on mountain ash berries... I can watch them for hours.

A most spectacular, winter bird visitor in the Arrowhead is the Pine Grosbeak. This bird is a true nature's "pastel color palette." The Pine Grosbeaks that I have seen this year are brilliantly colored, yet soft.



The adult male Taiga Pine Grosbeak is a good example of beautiful pastels; pinks, rose, orange and a plethora of beautiful hues.



Not to be outdone, the female Pine Grosbeak displays a variety of pale orange and yellow, embedded in gray feathers.





The first Pine Grosbeaks I saw this winter flew in to the Sawbill Trail on December 28. Mary and I stopped and watched them feeding along the road.





Since the end of December, I have photographed them at various times along the Caribou Trail.





These shots were taken on January 31.





The last Pine Grosbeak I have seen was March 3; last year I was privileged to see and photograph these beautiful birds into the month of April. I hope I have this chance again this spring, for it seems when they leave, my warblers and sparrows start returning. They are truly the grand harbinger of spring.

"Pine Grosbeaks illuminate the evergreen forests"  Dave Brislance