BIRD LIFE IN WASHINGTON 
21 
gone into the woods to study some rare 
bird but Grosbeak called me out of my 
way and made me listen. Fortunately, 
these fine singers are growing more com¬ 
mon every year. 
They nest in the spireae and salmon- 
berry bushes, and the male bird, artist 
though lie is, does not disdain work. In 
the absence of his mate, he sits upon the 
nest singing all the while as though work 
were fun. An artist need not be an archi¬ 
tect. Grosbeak certainly is not. 
The nest is a firm one but so loosely 
«/ 
woven that we may look up and see the 
eggs through it. 
Blackheaded Grosbeak is richly clad in 
black, orange, and white. In size he is a 
little smaller than Robin. 
WESTERN 
EVENING GROSBEAK 
In winter these beautiful birds are 
common in parks. They are brilliantly 
dressed in greenish yellow, have golden 
crowns and white wing patches. Their 
call is striking. It may be a high shriek 
“Imp,” an alarm note from the bird on 
watch, or a soft whisper to each other. 
Their song is considered most beautiful 
by the favored few who have heard it. 
ft/ 
But they sing only in forests at nesting 
«/ CT* ft/ O 
time. 
They feed on seeds and buds of trees, 
especially maple buds, and are very fond 
of caterpillars. 
