On November 20, we had 8 Pine Grosbeaks at our feeder. They only stayed for an hour or so, however, and we haven’t seen them since. During this past summer, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, along with their young, came to the feeder regularly. Two families nested in the woodlot behind our house.
Also, about 20 years ago, I witnessed an amazing interaction between a Gray Squirrel and a Hairy Woodpecker. The squirrel had scared the woodpecker off the ground feeder – a piece of plywood – on which I’d scattered sunflower seeds. Seconds later, however, the woodpecker returned, and actually landed on the squirrel’s back! It then proceeded to hammer away on the poor animal’s head. I guess it got in a few good blows before the squirrel took off, because there was blood on the feeder!
Neil Boughen, Warsaw
Rose-breasted Grosbeaks – Drew Monkman
Pine Grosbeak – Wikimedia
Hairy Woodpecker – Karl Egressy
