Interesting Birds

[Michelle]

Steven, as a “functional birder” who simply does the job and rarely birds for pleasure, I was curious about the red Fox Sparrow and why you called it Eastern. Lo and behold the breeding and wintering range maps! I never knew! Does that make our summer breeders the slate-colored variety?
And how awesome to see a Northern Shrike in December. Normally I only see them for a short period of migration- on the plains, and once at the Blue Jay Mine, but only recorded one breeding pair in the summer.
The grosbeaks are simply special, elegant and fun to discover.

Great photos. Maybe one day I’ll learn how to take photos but don’t anyone hold your breath