Grosbeak Hazel

Grosbeak Hazel, a photo by DeForestRanger on Flickr.

Imagine, if you will, a Goldfinch the size of an American Robin. That's how you could best describe a male Evening Grosbeak, although his yellow is a bit more greenish. These handsome birds are one of the most colorful species in western Washington and a welcome sight at the feeders at almost any time of year. During mating season, their heavy seed-cracking bills turn a brilliant chartreuse color, as if they weren't already easy to recognize. Their appetite for black-oil sunflower seed is legendary, and not a one of them ever goes hungry at Café Crow.