A 'cover bird'

              The Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are in town. They usually drop by for a few days this time of year, munch on my sunflower seeds, then move on to cooler climes. Didn't see one today; maybe they've already headed north.
               But I had two males at the feeder yesterday. I had never seen more than one at a time here.
               I don't have a picture of one here (birds just don't cooperate with my camera). But you'll know one when it shows up, at least a male. He is among the prettiest birds to appear at a feeder; so pretty, he’s a “cover bird” for the Peterson guide. Ooo, baby! His name reflects his appearance; a bright red patch on the breast, and a big, thick beak. The female isn't as brightly colored. She looks more like an oversized sparrow (sorry, sparrows) - brown back and streaks on her breast. Up north and in the Southern Appalachians, you'll have these birds all summer, so be on the lookout.
               Out west you have the Black-headed Grosbeak in the summer. The male looks kind of like an oriole, and the female is similar to the Rose-breasted Grosbeak female.
               Here in the southern tier of states, we get the Blue Grosbeak during the summer. Its name reflects appearance, too. I've never had one at my feeder, though. I know some folks nearby who have, and of course I'm jealous.

Here are the birds I saw today:

PM, sunny, 85 degrees, 20 minutes

Carolina Chickadee
Northern Cardinal
White-breasted Nuthatch
House Finch
Red-winged Blackbird
Tufted Titmouse
Northern Mockingbird
Brown-headed Cowbird
Gray Catbird
Common Grackle