Gone for Labor Day Weekend

I am going to be gone over Labor Day weekend so do not expect to see any more postings of my New Mexico trip until next Tuesday or Wednesday. I would have posted on it today but I don't have the time right now. I did however put a Blue Grosbeak (my favorite bird) picture of mine on this post that I took on a birding trip in August, not far from my home to make up for it.

Favorite Bird (post #100)

For post number 100 I decided to tell about my favorite bird, the Blue Grosbeak. One reason that I like them is that they are beautiful birds with a neat blue body and chestnut wing bars. I especially like their thick beaks, which, when seen in the right light, seem glossy. To see a better photo of a Blue Grobeak click on the link below:
http://portal.delaware.gov/photos/photos/2480.jpg

I enjoy hearing them sing their unique song every spring and summer as I ride my bike down the gravel roads.

Another thing that I like so much about them is the fact that the only areas in Iowa where you regularly see them is in the west, where I live. We kind of have them all to ourselves. I love to tell all of the central and eastern Iowa birders at the ornithologist union meetings of the Blue Grosbeaks I have had in my yard.

So what's not to like about this bird?