Photo of the Week: Rare Blue Grosbeak in Wayne County

large blue bird with rufous-colored wings perches on barbed wire fence.

When the Blue Grosbeak with its heavy bill and chestnut-colored wingbars was first spotted last week, it caused a frenzy among the southeast Michigan birding community. Birders throughout Wayne, Washtenaw, and Oakland counties made the trek to view the rare bird. I was one of them! Luckily, some people saw both female and male birds.… Continue reading Photo of the Week: Rare Blue Grosbeak in Wayne County

Photo of the Week: Blue Grosbeak at the Antenna Farm

blue bird perches on top of short-shrub in field.

When I heard from our local birding email list that Blue Grosbeaks, a large bird similar in size to the Northern Cardinal, had been found near Lake Erie in southeast Michigan, I was on a quest.

I had to find it!

It took me three tries over two weekends, 100 degree plus Farenheit temperatures, and torrential rains, but I finally saw both male and female Blue Grosbeaks earlier this morning at the Antenna Farm in Monroe County.

For me, a life bird (first time seen) at number 274. Continue reading Photo of the Week: Blue Grosbeak at the Antenna Farm