[TN-Bird] More thoughts on the possible Pine Grosbeak

From: FINCH64@xxxxxxx
To: tn-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Date: Thu, 2 Mar 2006 15:12:26 EST
I keep looking at the feeder and the size of the bird that was sitting there 
some hours ago. I myself can't justify a bird the size of a Pine Grosbeak 
being able to get all of it's length up on that narrow tray with it's tail 
hidden 
from my view sitting facing the outside of the feeder. I just talked to Terry 
Witt and he said the white crossbars on the wings are unmistakeable on a Pine 
Grosbeak. Those markings did not jump out at me at all but the bird was facing 
me directly most of the time. I mean like right straight at me. It just 
stared at me barely moving. I keep thinking, hoping it will come back so I can 
get 
it on film. I'm beginning to think it was magnified in my binoculars and was 
probably only a Purple Finch. The beak WAS rounded and had some bulk to it. It 
was definitely noticeably hooked - like a parrot's beak. I know I saw that 
clearly. But I guess maybe some Purple Finches may have a kind of hook to their 
beaks? More than anything it's the size that really just throws me in reference 
to it being a Pine Grosbeak. It just didn't seem big enough from what I've 
seen in pictures. The chest and belly were very plump though. I really think it 
would have taken at least two hands to hold this bird. That it would be 
difficult to get one of my hands completely around a bird as plump as it was.
Terry said there are alot of Purple Finches in the area right now. He told me 
to call him if I see it again. And I have both cameras ready to get it on 
film. The video camera has a better zoom capability than the digital.

So the size not being as large as I think it should have been; the white 
crossbars on the wings not being evident; and mostly just the fact that Pine 
Grosbeaks in Tennessee are practically non-existent is making me lean toward it 
being a Purple Finch which I've never seen before.

But I'll keep the cameras ready and keep the list posted on any updates on 
the bird whatever it is/was.

Keep in mind I'm the guy who a few years ago who thought I had a possible 
Bewick's Wren in my yard. Got the bird on film, took the film to one of the 
NTOS 
meetings only to be told it was just a Carolina Wren. Massively embarrassing 
to say the least. Don't want to repeat that experience ever again. lol

For any officers of the NTOS who might want to know for future reference, 
Terry was glad I called because he asked me if I would help him with the Spring 
Count and I said I would. I think that's what sometime in May?

I apologize for posting this to the list before more verification of the 
bird. I was thinking in my mind honestly of the Blue Grosbeak and having read 
that 
IT was more abundant in these areas in the past. It's tax time and it's 
hectic here and I didn't even think of what I was posting when I even put the 
words 
"Pine Grosbeak" in my posting.

But if it turns out that it is one - we will all be very happy indeed. It's 
that parrot bill that keeps me wondering what else it could have been. Rounded 
not conical like smaller finches. Oh well, hopefully <knock on wood> it will 
come back.

Oh, also I just remembered Terry said Purple Finches have noticeable streaks 
on their chests. This bird was solid burgundy red on it's chest all the way 
down to its belly. Only some white way underneath on it's belly.. No streaks at 
all.

Barry Jernigan
Murfreesboro, Rutherford Co, TN


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[TN-Bird] More thoughts on the possible Pine Grosbeak

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