Party on the new bird feeder

I was very surprised. It took *hours* for the chickadees to discover the new bird feeder. And then, it was only one, who hogged that knowledge and had exclusive access for days.

Finally the grosbeaks made the discovery, and brought their drama to the squirrel-proof swivel bird feeder. There was a great deal of open beaking at each other, hustling the prime perch on the arms, and squatting inside in the feed pile.

Grosbeaks have their population numbers threatened, I hear. At home, between 7 and 10am (they keep a schedule), there is a substantial flock, but there are fewer than last year.