In the last few days Rose-breasted Grosbeaks have been visiting my yard and
eating berries off the dogwood. This morning one was on the ground below
the feeders along with a dozen or more House Finch and perhaps a Titmouse
and Goldfinch or two. (The feed had been dumped the night before by
raccoons.) I was focusing my binoculars on the Grosbeak and his gorgeous
colors when something big and dark suddenly blocked my view and all the
birds took off. When I looked again I saw my neighbors' cat carrying off
one of the birds. I didn't know which one she got as all I could see was
the belly, but it was white. I am afraid it was the Grosbeak and it makes
me so sad. It was a male in black and white but with brown streaks on the
head and back. Later another appeared but he had a lot less brown. The
other two I have seen this week are one female and one young male. I must
speak to my neighbor about the cat. When they took her in (as a stray) they
promised they would keep her in the house! They also have feeders so I know
they care about birds.
In the past week I have also seen Scarlet Tanagers and a Catbird. The
hummers are still here. Saw two females today.
Nancy Young
Botetourt County
