Black-headed Grosbeak at Canon City Riverwalk

There have been a good number of Black-headed Grosbeak breeding along the Canon City Riverwalk especially in the western section. That is where I took this photo of a female Black-headed Grosbeak this morning. She was perched about 75-80 feet up the bluff that runs the length of this western section. At this distance she apparently felt safe to perch in the open, sort-of (see her crouched posture, a position that makes her less visable and likely facilites quick flight). See a male Black-headed Grosbeak and read more about them here.

Every time I bird this section of the Riverwalk I hear, and sometimes see, Gray Catbirds as I did today. They are such great skulkers that they are often more likely heard than seen with their cat-like calling.

Near the parking lot several Blue Grosbeak feasted on fruit bearing shrubs (though I was able to get clear photos, they just came out as silhouettes as they were in the deep shade with backlighting).

And Lesser Goldfinch, a species that has been abundant this summer, have babies chasing them around and begging to be fed.

SeEtta