Red flash – Rose-breasted Grosbeak in the TRV

[All photographs copyright, Gary Nunn 2014] – This first winter male Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus flew across the path in front of me at the Bird and Butterfly Garden in the Tijuana River Valley on 25 September 2014. In the late afternoon sunlight the red underwing coloration was unmistakable. Quickly relocating it in a nearby tree I trained the camera on the stationary bird and inched closer until it flushed off the branch. A quick burst on the camera shutter button and I captured a few easy photographs of the underwing! In addition to the red underwing the rich buffy underparts are noticeable on this bird. I was surprised by the extent of buff coloration extending down the flanks which I guess you would not notice if the wings were closed. It was exceptionally dry in the garden and this bird was taking a drink from a running irrigation line sprinkler, underneath a pomegranate bush, when I happened to walk up on it.

Rose-breasted Grosbeak first winter male – Bird and Butterfly Garden, Tijuana River Valley, San Diego County, California 25 Sep 2014

Rose-breasted Grosbeak first winter male – Bird and Butterfly Garden, Tijuana River Valley, San Diego County, California 25 Sep 2014

Rose-breasted Grosbeak first winter male – Bird and Butterfly Garden, Tijuana River Valley, San Diego County, California 25 Sep 2014

Rose-breasted Grosbeak first winter male – Bird and Butterfly Garden, Tijuana River Valley, San Diego County, California 25 Sep 2014

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