Evening Grosbeaks in Pennsylvania

On Friday, January 11, I embarked on a quest looking for the Evening Grosbeaks that have been reported near Animal Drive, Centre County, Pennsylvania, US. I left my home at 6:30am and after stopping for a quick breakfast arrive in the area at 8:45 am. There was one other birder in the area when I arrived. As I exited my car, I saw several dozen birds flying off, and talking to the other birder - they where indeed the grosbeaks. I didn't get really good looks at them (and as a lifer I wanted better looks) and according the other birder, they where coming and going quite frequently during the last hour he was there. We chatted for about 10 mins (as it was very cold 17 degrees - but luckily there was no wind) and he decided to leave for work. 

After about another 10 minutes, I spotted my first Evening Grosbeak - a nice male - sitting in the tree directly in front of me. The colors are striking on the male Evening Grosbeaks - as seen below. After another few minutes, a flock of about 15 birds was observed flying into the trees right above me...quite the site!!! I watched them for about 20 minutes, just flying back and forth to the feeder and other perches in the area. They eventually, flew off and I packed my gear and headed for home. I was there a total of about 1 hour and 10 minutes and recorded 10 species - including 19 Evening Grosbeaks - Life bird #505 .

Male Evening Grosbeak - life bird #505

Evening grosbeaks perched in tree

Evening grosbeak

Evening grosbeak perched in tree

Until next time - good birding.