Pine Grosbeaks in Huntsville

Adult male Pine Grosbeak, one of 17, feeding in Huntsville, Ontario. This fall, Pine Grosbeaks are moving south because the Mountain Ash berry crop in the Boreal Forest is below average and conifer seeds are also in short supply there. (Ron Pittaway's Winter Finch Forecast)

VIDEO: Pine Grosbeak feeding on seeds

Russet form of Pine Grosbeak with russet/burnt-orange on crown and rump and a splash of burnt-orange on the breast. This is probably a first year male (Finch Facts by Ron Pittaway) feeding on Manitoba Maple keys or samaras, Huntsville on 17 November 2018.

Russet form of Pine Grosbeak, with russet/burnt-orange on crown and rump. This is probably a first year male. Huntsville on 17 November 2018.

Females and first year males look alike. Feeding on Manitoba Maple keys or samaras. Huntsville on 17 November 2018.

The Pine Grosbeaks we saw were eating seeds of ornamental spruces, Tamarack buds and Manitoba Maple keys or samaras. Huntsville on 17 November 2018.

Adult males like this one are in the minority in most flocks. Huntsville on 17 November 2018