On a crystal clear morning, with snow in unmelted patches, I saw a pair of Grosbeaks. Hiking with a birder friend who was more concerned with physical exertion than admiring our surroundings, she continued forward as I stopped to capture a few shots.

When we finally stopped for water and a rest, I showed the others my pictures. They couldn’t believe I was the only one who saw the birds. I’ve since learned about these birds, including a new word “frugivore” which means fruit eater. They do, however also eat seeds and feed spiders and insects to their young. Interesting that the adult birds don’t eat those things. It’s like fish sticks, Lucky Charms, and boxed macaroni and cheese – parents feed these to their children but don’t eat them as adults. If you’re still eating these things, that’s fine – I’m not judging.