Evening Grosbeaks

A flock of evening grosbeaks have been in the area for a few weeks, on their way to somewhere.   These are taken through the window on a rainy day this week.   Yesterday and today, I haven't seem as many of them.   

They are a very cheerful and chatty group.  They remind me of the cedar waxwings who loudly announce their arrival for cascara berry season later in the year. 

Matron offered up slug training as a thesis topic in need of research.   While that is not in my sabbatical plan, squirrel training  is quickly moving up the list.