Month: February 2025

A “mega rare” Yellow Grosbeak

February 23, 2025

Earlier today, I traveled to Berryville to see the “mega rare” Yellow Grosbeak that has been visiting a feeder on a private ranch since February 17.

Yellow Grosbeaks are found in Mexico. As described by an eBird report, “it very rarely ends upon the United States and almost always in the Southwest. Having one show up in Arkansas is truly remarkable, with only one other comparable instance in Iowa in 1990.”

This grosbeak is bigger than the grosbeak species found in the United States, and has a very stout bill and white wing markings. Males have a rich golden yellow with black wings and tails with white spots (such as the one currently in Arkansas). Females are similar but with a more olive upper part.

While the sighting is confirmed and birders from other states are starting to arrive to see the Yellow Grosbeak, the sighting is still under review by the Arkansas Bird Records Committee. If approved, this would be the first new addition to Arkansas’s state bird list since 2022.

A Lesser Goldfinch

February 22, 2025

A friend and I traveled to Pope County on Friday to find a Lesser Goldfinch that’s been visiting a birder’s feeder for the past few days. It was a lifer for me.

Lesser Goldfinches are rare to Arkansas, although some are found within the state each year. They are typically found in the western United States (most common in California and Texas). They are smaller than an American Goldfinch, typically have a darker back that can be olive green or black depending on its location, and have a fully black crown. The American Goldfinch has a partial black crown and a bright yellow back.

The Pope County bird mingled with American Goldfinches, Juncos, House Finches and Cardinals at the feeders, while various sparrows and mourning doves were below on the ground. They scattered at various points, such as when the below Red-shouldered Hawk flew by.