There are 11 messages totaling 2534 lines in this issue.
Topics of the day:
1. Rose-breasted Grosbeaks (5) 2. 1st Hummingbird - Kirksville (2) 3. Kirksville breeders and migrants (2) 4. Grand Pass CA 5. No sighting, Bluebirds and House Wrens
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Thoroughly enjoying this thread! Susan, were you able to go to Barbados as the Purple-shouldered Birder?
I got my first Rose-breasted Grosbeak in Shaw Nature Reserve (June 5, 2010) and then in Forest Park, about a week later. It was more than a decade ago, but I still remember the thrill! A story with no spice to it at all...very sad, considering that I belong to a land of spices!
Cheers, Deepa.
On Sat, Apr 25, 2026 at 5:58=E2=80=AFAM Susan Eaton < <0000066c07c307f2-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> Okay, I will share my Rose-breasted Grosbeak story. Many years ago, a lat= e > freeze had killed the tender little buds in the tops of trees, so the > Grosbeaks were venturing down to feeders all over St. Louis. I watched > females at my feeders for several days, between bouts of rain. One mornin= g > the sun was shining, so I grabbed my binoculars and bird book and started > down the deck steps. The steps are on the north side of the house=E2=80= =A6little > did I know they were slick from the rain. I took a nasty fall, hurt my le= ft > shoulder and had nasty contusions on my left hip and knee. > > We spent hours in the ER to learn I had broken a little bony protuberance > in my left shoulder. I went home with my left arm immobilized in sling an= d > strap. I was awakened very early the next morning by severe pain. I > remember I cried because of pain and the fact that our Barbados trip was = a > week away, and I was purple from shoulder to elbow. I ate something, took= a > pain pill and looked out at the feeders. And there was my MALE > Rose-breasted Grosbeak, in all his glory! That was the only time I=E2=80= =99ve had > them in my yard. > > Susan Eaton > <Susiede...> > St Louis CO MO > > On Fri, Apr 24, 2026 at 6:02=E2=80=AFPM Lisa Saffell < > <0000065c370fac8c-dmarc-request...> wrote: > >> The Great Rose-breasted Grosbeak Conspiracy >> >> >> By 10:00 AM I was convinced the entire states of Illinois and Missouri >> were gaslighting me. >> >> >> It was a rainy April morning, and apparently Illinois and Missouri had >> been designated a five-star resort for migrating Rose-breasted Grosbeaks= , >> except for my backyard. >> >> >> I opened my email to: >> >> =E2=80=9CAOR & RBGR showed at my feeders this morning to add welcome spl= ashes of >> color and sound on a dreary looking day.=E2=80=9D >> >> >> I opened Facebook to: >> >> =E2=80=9CRose-breasted Grosbeaks have arrived in St. Clair County=E2=80= =9D >> >> =E2=80=9CRose-breasted Grosbeaks are here!=E2=80=9D >> >> =E2=80=9CDidn=E2=80=99t get a picture, but I saw a Rose-breasted Grosbea= k on my feeder >> this morning! =F0=9F=98=8D=E2=80=9D >> >> >> I looked out my window at my feeders. They were busy with the usual >> suspects. Bickering European Starlings, a sopping wet Blue Jay, cranky >> Cardinals, and vocal woodpeckers. Where were my Rose-breasted Grosbeaks= ? >> >> >> I checked my feeders. I checked them again. I stood at my window, >> clutching a mug of coffee, feeling like the unpopular kid in school who >> didn=E2=80=99t get invited to the "Rosy Party.=E2=80=9D >> >> >> I left the house to go birding at Tower Grove Park. Everyone was >> talking about the Grosbeaks showing up at their feeders. Some had even >> spotted a few high up in the trees at Gaddy Garden. I still couldn=E2= =80=99t find >> one. After an afternoon of birding I headed home and checked my feeders >> again. No Grosbeaks. >> >> >> By 3:00 PM, I was plotting. Do I need better sunflower seeds? Should I >> wear a red shirt? Maybe I should put out a sign that says "Grosbeaks >> Welcome: Free Buffet.=E2=80=9D >> >> >> By 4:00 PM, I had officially entered the =E2=80=9Cbitter=E2=80=9D phase = of birding. I >> started composing a cynical Facebook post. Was I to become a sparrow >> feeding Hermit? Then my phone notified me that Haiku heard a new bird= =E2=<80...> >> Rose-breasted Grosbeak. I checked the feeders in the back and searched >> all around Hope Springs. No Grosbeak. I walked to the front and looke= d >> out the front door. With trembling hands I raised my binoculars and loo= ked >> at the feeders in the front tree, and there on the middle feeder, sittin= g >> with an air of absolute superiority were two male Rose-breasted Grosbeak= s! >> >> >> I did a quiet little happy dance that probably looked like a mix of the >> chicken dance and a frantic aerobics move from the 80s. I grabbed my cam= era >> and took a photo thinking to myself, now I finally get to post my own ro= sy >> update. >> >> >> #BirdingProblems #RosyDay=E2=80=9D >> >> >> Lisa Saffell, St. Louis >> >> ------------------------------ >> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum* >> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=3DMOBIRDS-L> = / Subscription >> options >> <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=3Dmobirds-l&A= =3D1 <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=3Dmobirds-l&A= =3D1>> >> / MBS Website <http://mobirds.org> / Email the list owners >> <mobirds-l-request...> >> >> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> >> >> MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel= , >> Chesterfield, MO >> > ------------------------------ > *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum* > Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=3DMOBIRDS-L> /= Subscription > options > <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=3Dmobirds-l&A=3D= 1> / MBS > Website <http://mobirds.org> / Email the list owners > <mobirds-l-request...> > > ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> > > MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel, > Chesterfield, MO >
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
<div dir=3D"ltr"><div dir=3D"ltr">Thoroughly enjoying this thread!=C2=A0 Su= san, were you able to go to Barbados as the Purple-shouldered Birder?<div><= br></div><div>I got my first Rose-breasted Grosbeak in Shaw Nature Reserve = (June 5, 2010) and then in Forest Park, about a week later. It was more tha= n a decade ago, but I still remember=C2=A0the thrill! A story with no spice= to it at all...very sad, considering that I belong to a land of spices!</d= iv><div><br></div><div>Cheers, Deepa.</div></div><br><div class=3D"gmail_qu= ote gmail_quote_container"><div dir=3D"ltr" class=3D"gmail_attr">On Sat, Ap= r 25, 2026 at 5:58=E2=80=AFAM Susan Eaton <<a href=3D"mailto:0000066c07c= <307f2-dmarc-request...>">0000066c07c307f2-dmarc-request@list= s.umsystem.edu</a>> wrote:<br></div><blockquote class=3D"gmail_quote" st= yle=3D"margin:0px 0px 0px 0.8ex;border-left:1px solid rgb(204,204,204);padd= ing-left:1ex"><div dir=3D"auto">Okay, I will share my Rose-breasted Grosbea= k story. Many years ago, a late freeze had killed the tender little buds in= the tops of trees, so the Grosbeaks were venturing down to feeders all ove= r St. Louis. I watched females at my feeders for several days, between bout= s of rain. One morning the sun was shining, so I grabbed my binoculars and = bird book and started down the deck steps. The steps are on the north side = of the house=E2=80=A6little did I know they were slick from the rain. I too= k a nasty fall, hurt my left shoulder and had nasty contusions on my left h= ip and knee.</div><div dir=3D"auto"><br></div><div dir=3D"auto">We spent ho= urs in the ER to learn I had broken a little bony protuberance in my left s= houlder. I went home with my left arm immobilized in sling and strap. I was= awakened very early the next morning by severe pain. I remember I cried be= cause of pain and the fact that our Barbados trip was a week away, and I wa= s purple from shoulder to elbow. I ate something, took a pain pill and look= ed out at the feeders. And there was my MALE Rose-breasted Grosbeak, in all= his glory! That was the only time I=E2=80=99ve had them in my yard.</div><= div dir=3D"auto"><br></div><div dir=3D"auto">Susan Eaton</div><div dir=3D"a= uto"><a href=3D"mailto:<Susiede...>" target=3D"_blank"><Susiede...>= om</a></div><div dir=3D"auto">St Louis CO MO</div><div><br><div class=3D"gm= ail_quote"><div dir=3D"ltr" class=3D"gmail_attr">On Fri, Apr 24, 2026 at 6:= 02=E2=80=AFPM Lisa Saffell <<a href=3D"mailto:0000065c370fac8c-dmarc-req= <uest...>" target=3D"_blank">0000065c370fac8c-dmarc-request@l= ists.umsystem.edu</a>> wrote:<br></div><blockquote class=3D"gmail_quote"= style=3D"margin:0px 0px 0px 0.8ex;border-left:1px solid rgb(204,204,204);p= adding-left:1ex"><div><p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant= -caps:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;fon= t-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal= ;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-se= ttings:normal;color:rgb(0,0,0)">The Great Rose-breasted Grosbeak Conspiracy= </p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0);min-height:14px"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">By 10:00 AM I was convinced the entire states of Illinois and Mis= souri were gaslighting me.</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0);min-height:14px"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">It was a rainy April morning, and apparently Illinois and Missour= i had been designated a five-star resort for migrating Rose-breasted Grosbe= aks, except for my backyard.</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0);min-height:14px"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">I opened my email to:</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">=E2=80=9CAOR & RBGR showed at my feeders this morning to add = welcome splashes of color and sound on a dreary looking day.=E2=80=9D</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0);min-height:14px"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">I opened Facebook to:</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">=E2=80=9CRose-breasted Grosbeaks have arrived in St. Clair County= =E2=80=9D</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">=E2=80=9CRose-breasted Grosbeaks are here!=E2=80=9D</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">=E2=80=9CDidn=E2=80=99t get a picture, but I saw a Rose-breasted = Grosbeak on my feeder this morning! <span style=3D"font-style:normal;font-v= ariant-caps:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:"Apple Color Emoji&q= uot;;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal= ;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-eas= t-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal">=F0=9F=98=8D</span>=E2=80=9D</= p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0);min-height:14px"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">I looked out my window at my feeders.=C2=A0 They were busy with t= he usual suspects.=C2=A0 Bickering European Starlings, a sopping wet Blue J= ay, cranky Cardinals, and vocal woodpeckers.=C2=A0 Where were my Rose-breas= ted Grosbeaks? =C2=A0</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0);min-height:14px"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">I checked my feeders. I checked them again. I stood at my window,= clutching a mug of coffee, feeling like the unpopular kid in school who di= dn=E2=80=99t get invited to the "Rosy Party.=E2=80=9D</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0);min-height:14px"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">I left the house to go birding at Tower Grove Park. =C2=A0 Everyo= ne was talking about the Grosbeaks showing up at their feeders.=C2=A0 Some = had even spotted a few high up in the trees at Gaddy Garden.=C2=A0 I still = couldn=E2=80=99t find one.=C2=A0 After an afternoon of birding I headed hom= e and checked my feeders again.=C2=A0 No Grosbeaks.</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0);min-height:14px"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">By 3:00 PM, I was plotting. Do I need better sunflower seeds? Sho= uld I wear a red shirt? Maybe I should put out a sign that says "Grosb= eaks Welcome: Free Buffet.=E2=80=9D</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0);min-height:14px"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">By 4:00 PM, I had officially entered the =E2=80=9Cbitter=E2=80=9D= phase of birding.=C2=A0 I started composing a cynical Facebook post.=C2=A0= Was I to become a sparrow feeding Hermit?=C2=A0 Then my phone notified me = that Haiku heard a new bird=E2=<80...> Rose-breasted Grosbeak. =C2=A0 I ch= ecked the feeders in the back and searched all around Hope Springs.=C2=A0 N= o Grosbeak. =C2=A0 I walked to the front and looked out the front door.=C2= =A0 With trembling hands I raised my binoculars and looked at the feeders i= n the front tree, and there on the middle feeder, sitting with an air of ab= solute superiority were two male Rose-breasted Grosbeaks!</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0);min-height:14px"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0);min-height:14px">I did a quiet little happy dance that probably lo= oked like a mix of the chicken dance and a frantic aerobics move from the 8= 0s. I grabbed my camera and took a photo thinking to myself, now I finally = get to post my own rosy update.</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0);min-height:14px"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">#BirdingProblems #RosyDay=E2=80=9D</p><p style=3D"margin:0px;font= -style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Arial= ;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal;fon= t-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-as= ian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><br></p><p style= =3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-height:norma= l;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-al= ternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;f= ont-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rgb(0,0,0)= ">Lisa Saffell, St. Louis</p></div> <p></p><hr><b>The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum= </b><br> <a href=3D"https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=3DMOBIRDS-L" ta= rget=3D"_blank">Archives</a> / <a href=3D"https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPT= S/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=3Dmobirds-l&A=3D1 <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPT= S/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=3Dmobirds-l&A=3D1>" target=3D"_blank">Subscriptio= n options</a> / <a href=3D"http://mobirds.org" target=3D"_blank">MBS Websit= e</a> / <a href=3D"mailto:<mobirds-l-request...>" target=3D"_= blank">Email the list owners</a><p></p> <p><a href=3D"http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html" target=3D"_blank">ABA B= irding Code of Ethics</a></p>
<p>MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel= , Chesterfield, MO </p></blockquote></div></div>
Thanks for the great story Lisa!Maureen Thomas-MurphySt Louis
On Friday, April 24, 2026 at 06:02:33 PM CDT, Lisa Saffell <0000065c370= <fac8c-dmarc-request...> wrote: =20 =20 =20 The Great Rose-breasted Grosbeak Conspiracy
By 10:00 AM I was convinced the entire states of Illinois and Missouri were= gaslighting me.
It was a rainy April morning, and apparently Illinois and Missouri had been= designated a five-star resort for migrating Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, excep= t for my backyard.
I opened my email to:
=E2=80=9CAOR & RBGR showed at my feeders this morning to add welcome splash= es of color and sound on a dreary looking day.=E2=80=9D
I opened Facebook to:
=E2=80=9CRose-breasted Grosbeaks have arrived in St. Clair County=E2=80=9D
=E2=80=9CRose-breasted Grosbeaks are here!=E2=80=9D
=E2=80=9CDidn=E2=80=99t get a picture, but I saw a Rose-breasted Grosbeak o= n my feeder this morning! =F0=9F=98=8D=E2=80=9D
I looked out my window at my feeders.=C2=A0 They were busy with the usual s= uspects.=C2=A0 Bickering European Starlings, a sopping wet Blue Jay, cranky= Cardinals, and vocal woodpeckers.=C2=A0 Where were my Rose-breasted Grosbe= aks? =C2=A0
I checked my feeders. I checked them again. I stood at my window, clutching= a mug of coffee, feeling like the unpopular kid in school who didn=E2=80= =99t get invited to the "Rosy Party.=E2=80=9D
I left the house to go birding at Tower Grove Park. =C2=A0 Everyone was tal= king about the Grosbeaks showing up at their feeders.=C2=A0 Some had even s= potted a few high up in the trees at Gaddy Garden.=C2=A0 I still couldn=E2= =80=99t find one.=C2=A0 After an afternoon of birding I headed home and che= cked my feeders again.=C2=A0 No Grosbeaks.
By 3:00 PM, I was plotting. Do I need better sunflower seeds? Should I wear= a red shirt? Maybe I should put out a sign that says "Grosbeaks Welcome: F= ree Buffet.=E2=80=9D
By 4:00 PM, I had officially entered the =E2=80=9Cbitter=E2=80=9D phase of = birding.=C2=A0 I started composing a cynical Facebook post.=C2=A0 Was I to = become a sparrow feeding Hermit?=C2=A0 Then my phone notified me that Haiku= heard a new bird=E2=<80...> Rose-breasted Grosbeak. =C2=A0 I checked the = feeders in the back and searched all around Hope Springs.=C2=A0 No Grosbeak= . =C2=A0 I walked to the front and looked out the front door.=C2=A0 With tr= embling hands I raised my binoculars and looked at the feeders in the front= tree, and there on the middle feeder, sitting with an air of absolute supe= riority were two male Rose-breasted Grosbeaks!
I did a quiet little happy dance that probably looked like a mix of the chi= cken dance and a frantic aerobics move from the 80s. I grabbed my camera an= d took a photo thinking to myself, now I finally get to post my own rosy up= date.
#BirdingProblems #RosyDay=E2=80=9D
Lisa Saffell, St. Louis =20
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum Archives / Subscription options / MBS Website / Email the list owners
ABA Birding Code of Ethics
MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel, C= hesterfield, MO =20
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
<html><head></head><body><div class=3D"ydp38881efayahoo-style-wrap" style= =3D"font-family:Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px= ;"><div></div> <div dir=3D"ltr" data-setdir=3D"false">Thanks for the great story L= isa!</div><div dir=3D"ltr" data-setdir=3D"false">Maureen Thomas-Murphy</div= ><div dir=3D"ltr" data-setdir=3D"false">St Louis</div><div dir=3D"ltr" data= -setdir=3D"false"><br></div><div><br></div> =20 </div><div id=3D"ydp14a14f87yahoo_quoted_7814737530" class=3D"ydp14= a14f87yahoo_quoted"> <div style=3D"font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, s= ans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#26282a;"> =20 <div> On Friday, April 24, 2026 at 06:02:33 PM CDT, Lisa = Saffell <<0000065c370fac8c-dmarc-request...>> wrote: </div> <div><br></div> <div><br></div> =20 =20 <div><div id=3D"ydp14a14f87yiv2449210029"><div><p style=3D"= margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size= -adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">The Great Rose-breasted Grosbeak Conspira= cy</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Ari= al;font-size-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);min-height:14px;"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Ari= al;font-size-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">By 10:00 AM I was convinced t= he entire states of Illinois and Missouri were gaslighting me.</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Ari= al;font-size-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);min-height:14px;"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Ari= al;font-size-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">It was a rainy April morning,= and apparently Illinois and Missouri had been designated a five-star resor= t for migrating Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, except for my backyard.</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Ari= al;font-size-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);min-height:14px;"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Ari= al;font-size-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">I opened my email to:</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Ari= al;font-size-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">=E2=80=9CAOR & RBGR showe= d at my feeders this morning to add welcome splashes of color and sound on = a dreary looking day.=E2=80=9D</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Ari= al;font-size-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);min-height:14px;"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Ari= al;font-size-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">I opened Facebook to:</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Ari= al;font-size-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">=E2=80=9CRose-breasted Grosbe= aks have arrived in St. Clair County=E2=80=9D</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Ari= al;font-size-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">=E2=80=9CRose-breasted Grosbe= aks are here!=E2=80=9D</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Ari= al;font-size-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">=E2=80=9CDidn=E2=80=99t get a= picture, but I saw a Rose-breasted Grosbeak on my feeder this morning! <sp= an style=3D"font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Color;font-siz= e-adjust:none;">=F0=9F=98=8D</span>=E2=80=9D</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Ari= al;font-size-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);min-height:14px;"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Ari= al;font-size-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">I looked out my window at my = feeders. They were busy with the usual suspects. Bickering Euro= pean Starlings, a sopping wet Blue Jay, cranky Cardinals, and vocal woodpec= kers. Where were my Rose-breasted Grosbeaks? </p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Ari= al;font-size-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);min-height:14px;"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Ari= al;font-size-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">I checked my feeders. I check= ed them again. I stood at my window, clutching a mug of coffee, feeling lik= e the unpopular kid in school who didn=E2=80=99t get invited to the "Rosy P= arty.=E2=80=9D</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Ari= al;font-size-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);min-height:14px;"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Ari= al;font-size-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">I left the house to go birdin= g at Tower Grove Park. Everyone was talking about the Grosbeaks show= ing up at their feeders. Some had even spotted a few high up in the t= rees at Gaddy Garden. I still couldn=E2=80=99t find one. After = an afternoon of birding I headed home and checked my feeders again. N= o Grosbeaks.</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Ari= al;font-size-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);min-height:14px;"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Ari= al;font-size-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">By 3:00 PM, I was plotting. D= o I need better sunflower seeds? Should I wear a red shirt? Maybe I should = put out a sign that says "Grosbeaks Welcome: Free Buffet.=E2=80=9D</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Ari= al;font-size-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);min-height:14px;"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Ari= al;font-size-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">By 4:00 PM, I had officially = entered the =E2=80=9Cbitter=E2=80=9D phase of birding. I started comp= osing a cynical Facebook post. Was I to become a sparrow feeding Herm= it? Then my phone notified me that Haiku heard a new bird=E2=<80...>= Rose-breasted Grosbeak. I checked the feeders in the back and searc= hed all around Hope Springs. No Grosbeak. I walked to the fron= t and looked out the front door. With trembling hands I raised my bin= oculars and looked at the feeders in the front tree, and there on the middl= e feeder, sitting with an air of absolute superiority were two male Rose-br= easted Grosbeaks!</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Ari= al;font-size-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);min-height:14px;"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Ari= al;font-size-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);min-height:14px;">I did a quiet= little happy dance that probably looked like a mix of the chicken dance an= d a frantic aerobics move from the 80s. I grabbed my camera and took a phot= o thinking to myself, now I finally get to post my own rosy update.</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Ari= al;font-size-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);min-height:14px;"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Ari= al;font-size-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">#BirdingProblems #RosyDay=E2= =80=9D</p><p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-= family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br></p><p style=3D= "margin:0px;font-style:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Arial;font-siz= e-adjust:none;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">Lisa Saffell, St. Louis</p></div>=20 <p></p><hr><b>The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum</b>= <br> <a href=3D"https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=3DMOBIRDS-L" re= l=3D"nofollow" target=3D"_blank">Archives</a> / <a href=3D"https://lists.um= system.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=3Dmobirds-l&A=3D1" rel=3D"nofol= low" target=3D"_blank">Subscription options</a> / <a href=3D"http://mobirds= .org" rel=3D"nofollow" target=3D"_blank">MBS Website</a> / <a href=3D"mailt= o:<mobirds-l-request...>" rel=3D"nofollow" target=3D"_blank">= Email the list owners</a><p></p> <p><a href=3D"http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html" rel=3D"nofollow" target= =3D"_blank">ABA Birding Code of Ethics</a></p>
Yes, Deepa, we went to Barbados. Going through security was tricky because I couldn=E2=80=99t take off the sling; they had to feel around it. I stayed= out of the ocean and just stood in the pool for short periods of time. I took off my sling when I walked on the beach, to let my arm hang a little bit. One day, there was a rastafarian guy sitting on the beach. He said, =E2=80=9CI = hope your man didn=E2=80=99t do that! Oh, I see you are still wearing your ring,= so I guess all is well.=E2=80=9D
Susan Eaton <Susiede...> St Louis CO MO
On Sat, Apr 25, 2026 at 8:21=E2=80=AFPM Deepa Mohan <mohandeepa...> = wrote:
> Thoroughly enjoying this thread! Susan, were you able to go to Barbados > as the Purple-shouldered Birder? > > I got my first Rose-breasted Grosbeak in Shaw Nature Reserve (June 5, > 2010) and then in Forest Park, about a week later. It was more than a > decade ago, but I still remember the thrill! A story with no spice to it = at > all...very sad, considering that I belong to a land of spices! > > Cheers, Deepa. > > On Sat, Apr 25, 2026 at 5:58=E2=80=AFAM Susan Eaton < > <0000066c07c307f2-dmarc-request...> wrote: > >> Okay, I will share my Rose-breasted Grosbeak story. Many years ago, a >> late freeze had killed the tender little buds in the tops of trees, so t= he >> Grosbeaks were venturing down to feeders all over St. Louis. I watched >> females at my feeders for several days, between bouts of rain. One morni= ng >> the sun was shining, so I grabbed my binoculars and bird book and starte= d >> down the deck steps. The steps are on the north side of the house=E2=80= =A6little >> did I know they were slick from the rain. I took a nasty fall, hurt my l= eft >> shoulder and had nasty contusions on my left hip and knee. >> >> We spent hours in the ER to learn I had broken a little bony protuberanc= e >> in my left shoulder. I went home with my left arm immobilized in sling a= nd >> strap. I was awakened very early the next morning by severe pain. I >> remember I cried because of pain and the fact that our Barbados trip was= a >> week away, and I was purple from shoulder to elbow. I ate something, too= k a >> pain pill and looked out at the feeders. And there was my MALE >> Rose-breasted Grosbeak, in all his glory! That was the only time I=E2=80= =99ve had >> them in my yard. >> >> Susan Eaton >> <Susiede...> >> St Louis CO MO >> >> On Fri, Apr 24, 2026 at 6:02=E2=80=AFPM Lisa Saffell < >> <0000065c370fac8c-dmarc-request...> wrote: >> >>> The Great Rose-breasted Grosbeak Conspiracy >>> >>> >>> By 10:00 AM I was convinced the entire states of Illinois and Missouri >>> were gaslighting me. >>> >>> >>> It was a rainy April morning, and apparently Illinois and Missouri had >>> been designated a five-star resort for migrating Rose-breasted Grosbeak= s, >>> except for my backyard. >>> >>> >>> I opened my email to: >>> >>> =E2=80=9CAOR & RBGR showed at my feeders this morning to add welcome sp= lashes of >>> color and sound on a dreary looking day.=E2=80=9D >>> >>> >>> I opened Facebook to: >>> >>> =E2=80=9CRose-breasted Grosbeaks have arrived in St. Clair County=E2=80= =9D >>> >>> =E2=80=9CRose-breasted Grosbeaks are here!=E2=80=9D >>> >>> =E2=80=9CDidn=E2=80=99t get a picture, but I saw a Rose-breasted Grosbe= ak on my feeder >>> this morning! =F0=9F=98=8D=E2=80=9D >>> >>> >>> I looked out my window at my feeders. They were busy with the usual >>> suspects. Bickering European Starlings, a sopping wet Blue Jay, cranky >>> Cardinals, and vocal woodpeckers. Where were my Rose-breasted Grosbeak= s? >>> >>> >>> I checked my feeders. I checked them again. I stood at my window, >>> clutching a mug of coffee, feeling like the unpopular kid in school who >>> didn=E2=80=99t get invited to the "Rosy Party.=E2=80=9D >>> >>> >>> I left the house to go birding at Tower Grove Park. Everyone was >>> talking about the Grosbeaks showing up at their feeders. Some had even >>> spotted a few high up in the trees at Gaddy Garden. I still couldn=E2= =80=99t find >>> one. After an afternoon of birding I headed home and checked my feeder= s >>> again. No Grosbeaks. >>> >>> >>> By 3:00 PM, I was plotting. Do I need better sunflower seeds? Should I >>> wear a red shirt? Maybe I should put out a sign that says "Grosbeaks >>> Welcome: Free Buffet.=E2=80=9D >>> >>> >>> By 4:00 PM, I had officially entered the =E2=80=9Cbitter=E2=80=9D phase= of birding. I >>> started composing a cynical Facebook post. Was I to become a sparrow >>> feeding Hermit? Then my phone notified me that Haiku heard a new bird= =E2=<80...> >>> Rose-breasted Grosbeak. I checked the feeders in the back and searche= d >>> all around Hope Springs. No Grosbeak. I walked to the front and look= ed >>> out the front door. With trembling hands I raised my binoculars and lo= oked >>> at the feeders in the front tree, and there on the middle feeder, sitti= ng >>> with an air of absolute superiority were two male Rose-breasted Grosbea= ks! >>> >>> >>> I did a quiet little happy dance that probably looked like a mix of the >>> chicken dance and a frantic aerobics move from the 80s. I grabbed my ca= mera >>> and took a photo thinking to myself, now I finally get to post my own r= osy >>> update. >>> >>> >>> #BirdingProblems #RosyDay=E2=80=9D >>> >>> >>> Lisa Saffell, St. Louis >>> >>> ------------------------------ >>> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum* >>> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=3DMOBIRDS-L>= / Subscription >>> options >>> <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=3Dmobirds-l&A= =3D1 <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=3Dmobirds-l&A= =3D1>> >>> / MBS Website <http://mobirds.org> / Email the list owners >>> <mobirds-l-request...> >>> >>> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> >>> >>> MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza >>> Hotel, Chesterfield, MO >>> >> ------------------------------ >> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum* >> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=3DMOBIRDS-L> = / Subscription >> options >> <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=3Dmobirds-l&A= =3D1 <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=3Dmobirds-l&A= =3D1>> >> / MBS Website <http://mobirds.org> / Email the list owners >> <mobirds-l-request...> >> >> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> >> >> MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel= , >> Chesterfield, MO >> >
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
<div dir=3D"auto">Yes, Deepa, we went to Barbados. Going through security w= as tricky because I couldn=E2=80=99t take off the sling; they had to feel a= round it. I stayed out of the ocean and just stood in the pool for short pe= riods of time. I took off my sling when I walked on the beach, to let my ar= m hang a little bit. One day, there was a rastafarian guy sitting on the be= ach. He said, =E2=80=9CI hope your man didn=E2=80=99t do that! Oh, I see yo= u are still wearing your ring, so I guess all is well.=E2=80=9D</div><div d= ir=3D"auto"><br></div><div dir=3D"auto">Susan Eaton</div><div dir=3D"auto">= <a href=3D"mailto:<Susiede...>"><Susiede...></a></div><div dir=3D= "auto">St Louis CO MO</div><div><br><div class=3D"gmail_quote gmail_quote_c= ontainer"><div dir=3D"ltr" class=3D"gmail_attr">On Sat, Apr 25, 2026 at 8:2= 1=E2=80=AFPM Deepa Mohan <<a href=3D"mailto:<mohandeepa...>">mohand= <eepa...></a>> wrote:<br></div><blockquote class=3D"gmail_quote" st= yle=3D"margin:0 0 0 .8ex;border-left:1px #ccc solid;padding-left:1ex"><div = dir=3D"ltr"><div dir=3D"ltr">Thoroughly enjoying this thread!=C2=A0 Susan, = were you able to go to Barbados as the Purple-shouldered Birder?<div><br></= div><div>I got my first Rose-breasted Grosbeak in Shaw Nature Reserve (June= 5, 2010) and then in Forest Park, about a week later. It was more than a d= ecade ago, but I still remember=C2=A0the thrill! A story with no spice to i= t at all...very sad, considering that I belong to a land of spices!</div><d= iv><br></div><div>Cheers, Deepa.</div></div></div><div dir=3D"ltr"><br><div= class=3D"gmail_quote"><div dir=3D"ltr" class=3D"gmail_attr">On Sat, Apr 25= , 2026 at 5:58=E2=80=AFAM Susan Eaton <<a href=3D"mailto:0000066c07c307f= <2-dmarc-request...>" target=3D"_blank">0000066c07c307f2-dmar= <c-request...></a>> wrote:<br></div><blockquote class=3D"g= mail_quote" style=3D"margin:0px 0px 0px 0.8ex;border-left:1px solid rgb(204= ,204,204);padding-left:1ex"><div dir=3D"auto">Okay, I will share my Rose-br= easted Grosbeak story. Many years ago, a late freeze had killed the tender = little buds in the tops of trees, so the Grosbeaks were venturing down to f= eeders all over St. Louis. I watched females at my feeders for several days= , between bouts of rain. One morning the sun was shining, so I grabbed my b= inoculars and bird book and started down the deck steps. The steps are on t= he north side of the house=E2=80=A6little did I know they were slick from t= he rain. I took a nasty fall, hurt my left shoulder and had nasty contusion= s on my left hip and knee.</div><div dir=3D"auto"><br></div><div dir=3D"aut= o">We spent hours in the ER to learn I had broken a little bony protuberanc= e in my left shoulder. I went home with my left arm immobilized in sling an= d strap. I was awakened very early the next morning by severe pain. I remem= ber I cried because of pain and the fact that our Barbados trip was a week = away, and I was purple from shoulder to elbow. I ate something, took a pain= pill and looked out at the feeders. And there was my MALE Rose-breasted Gr= osbeak, in all his glory! That was the only time I=E2=80=99ve had them in m= y yard.</div><div dir=3D"auto"><br></div><div dir=3D"auto">Susan Eaton</div= ><div dir=3D"auto"><a href=3D"mailto:<Susiede...>" target=3D"_blank">S= <usiede...></a></div><div dir=3D"auto">St Louis CO MO</div><div><br><d= iv class=3D"gmail_quote"><div dir=3D"ltr" class=3D"gmail_attr">On Fri, Apr = 24, 2026 at 6:02=E2=80=AFPM Lisa Saffell <<a href=3D"mailto:0000065c370f= <ac8c-dmarc-request...>" target=3D"_blank">0000065c370fac8c-d= <marc-request...></a>> wrote:<br></div><blockquote class= =3D"gmail_quote" style=3D"margin:0px 0px 0px 0.8ex;border-left:1px solid rg= b(204,204,204);padding-left:1ex"><div><p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:nor= mal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size= -adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-= ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal= ;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rgb(0,0,0)">The Great Rose-breasted Gro= sbeak Conspiracy</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0);min-height:14px"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">By 10:00 AM I was convinced the entire states of Illinois and Mis= souri were gaslighting me.</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0);min-height:14px"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">It was a rainy April morning, and apparently Illinois and Missour= i had been designated a five-star resort for migrating Rose-breasted Grosbe= aks, except for my backyard.</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0);min-height:14px"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">I opened my email to:</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">=E2=80=9CAOR & RBGR showed at my feeders this morning to add = welcome splashes of color and sound on a dreary looking day.=E2=80=9D</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0);min-height:14px"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">I opened Facebook to:</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">=E2=80=9CRose-breasted Grosbeaks have arrived in St. Clair County= =E2=80=9D</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">=E2=80=9CRose-breasted Grosbeaks are here!=E2=80=9D</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">=E2=80=9CDidn=E2=80=99t get a picture, but I saw a Rose-breasted = Grosbeak on my feeder this morning! <span style=3D"font-style:normal;font-v= ariant-caps:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:"Apple Color Emoji&q= uot;;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal= ;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-eas= t-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal">=F0=9F=98=8D</span>=E2=80=9D</= p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0);min-height:14px"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">I looked out my window at my feeders.=C2=A0 They were busy with t= he usual suspects.=C2=A0 Bickering European Starlings, a sopping wet Blue J= ay, cranky Cardinals, and vocal woodpeckers.=C2=A0 Where were my Rose-breas= ted Grosbeaks? =C2=A0</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0);min-height:14px"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">I checked my feeders. I checked them again. I stood at my window,= clutching a mug of coffee, feeling like the unpopular kid in school who di= dn=E2=80=99t get invited to the "Rosy Party.=E2=80=9D</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0);min-height:14px"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">I left the house to go birding at Tower Grove Park. =C2=A0 Everyo= ne was talking about the Grosbeaks showing up at their feeders.=C2=A0 Some = had even spotted a few high up in the trees at Gaddy Garden.=C2=A0 I still = couldn=E2=80=99t find one.=C2=A0 After an afternoon of birding I headed hom= e and checked my feeders again.=C2=A0 No Grosbeaks.</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0);min-height:14px"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">By 3:00 PM, I was plotting. Do I need better sunflower seeds? Sho= uld I wear a red shirt? Maybe I should put out a sign that says "Grosb= eaks Welcome: Free Buffet.=E2=80=9D</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0);min-height:14px"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">By 4:00 PM, I had officially entered the =E2=80=9Cbitter=E2=80=9D= phase of birding.=C2=A0 I started composing a cynical Facebook post.=C2=A0= Was I to become a sparrow feeding Hermit?=C2=A0 Then my phone notified me = that Haiku heard a new bird=E2=<80...> Rose-breasted Grosbeak. =C2=A0 I ch= ecked the feeders in the back and searched all around Hope Springs.=C2=A0 N= o Grosbeak. =C2=A0 I walked to the front and looked out the front door.=C2= =A0 With trembling hands I raised my binoculars and looked at the feeders i= n the front tree, and there on the middle feeder, sitting with an air of ab= solute superiority were two male Rose-breasted Grosbeaks!</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0);min-height:14px"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0);min-height:14px">I did a quiet little happy dance that probably lo= oked like a mix of the chicken dance and a frantic aerobics move from the 8= 0s. I grabbed my camera and took a photo thinking to myself, now I finally = get to post my own rosy update.</p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0);min-height:14px"><br></p> <p style=3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-heig= ht:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-va= riant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:= normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rg= b(0,0,0)">#BirdingProblems #RosyDay=E2=80=9D</p><p style=3D"margin:0px;font= -style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-height:normal;font-family:Arial= ;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal;fon= t-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-as= ian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><br></p><p style= =3D"margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;line-height:norma= l;font-family:Arial;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-al= ternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;f= ont-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;color:rgb(0,0,0)= ">Lisa Saffell, St. Louis</p></div> <p></p><hr><b>The Missouri Birdin
