No water!

One day it was very cold. The water in the basin was frozen. Many Grosbeaks came down from the trees, but could not get a proper drink. Panic!

Japanese Grosbeak, イカル

Where are you walking? On Ice!!?

It didn't take long to figure it out. They all left.

Next chance: a nook in one of the big trees. The space is small and there wasn't much water in it. Good conditions for some squabbling and skirmishing.

Not only the Grosbeaks. These Dusky Thrushes, ツグミ were annoyed as well.

At a different tree, the same Grosbeaks.

It's hard in winter when the competition is fierce. I hope they will all make it to spring

Grosbeaks and Hawfinches

Early morning in the park again. Watching the Grosbeaks come to the water basin. Their behavior is interesting, I could watch it for hours...

The birds look real pretty in flight with their wings spread. Trying to capturing this moment is a lot of fun. I'm not nearly as good as some of my buddies, but look at this:

The flock generally behaves well. When 15 birds come down, all wanting a drink at the same time, the situation tends to become a bit tense. And a bit of squabbeling is normal. 

Most birds come to drink, some hardly gat a chance. Only once did I see one bathing. All by itself

Brr, cold!

Time to go!

The other day 2 Hawfinches, シメ were reported. I hoped to observe them, but they didn't come close. Not good for a picture. This is all I got.

Maybe another time.

The last of Ko-ikaru, コイカル

In January I visited the park several times to see the birds gathering at the waterbasin. The Grosbeaks made it a great spectacle. They came down from the trees in numbers of 10 or mor e. There was only one Chinese Grosbeak, or Yellow Grosbeak among them and if you came early, you would have a chance to see it. sometimes once, just a few seconds. Other times 2 or 3 times. But never long.

Chinese Grosbeak, or Yellow Grosbeak, コイカル

Some days were sunny, other days cloudy. Cloudy was good.

But then I only saw its back

However, another day it would come again...

...and again

Until suddenly it stopped visiting us. That's (bird) life 😔

Grosbeaks in the park

The most popular bird in M Park is the Chinese Grosbeak, beyond doubt. A long line of cameras is set up at the water basin, where photographers might get a chance to observe the target bird at eye level. They have to be there early, though. And prepared to wait in the cold. I did and braved the elements 3 times. Yet again, without gloves.

Japanese Grosbeak, イカル and Chinese Grosbeak, コイカル (right)

More black on the head, orange flanks and a slightly smaller body.

Darker colored on the back as well

Off he is

If he doesn't come down to drink, you have to look for him in the trees.

At another location, Japanese Grosbeak, イカル, are having a ball

Enjoy!