[cobirds] Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Poncha Springs, Chaffee County

Hello birders,

 

Saw one Saturday afternoon along the Arkansas River at the Poncha Springs Frisbee park, a sort of mini-Hutchinson Ranch. The RBGR was intently combing Gambel oak flower tassels with its beak, gleaning insects I suppose, singing between bites. (Sorry, should have posted this to eBird, but got busy with convention chores.}

Per eBird only two previous sightings in the area in the past five to eight years, both by CFO's excellent artist & Salida local, Sherrie York. 

After taking a photo of the Rosie, I moved a few feet to get a different perspective, and saw in my camera's viewfinder a Black-headed Grosbeak. A sudden morph? No, but what were these two cousins doing so close? Probably competing for the Gambel oak grove and its insects. 

Two photos: http://bit.ly/1HY70jI

Cheers,
Tom Wilberding
Boulder, Colorado

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