Yellow Grosbeak (Pheucticus chrysopeplus), Patton's yard, Patagonia, Cochise County

This female Yellow Grosbeak was discovered by Andrew Tillinghurst and Emily Strelow about 11:30 AM on 11 June 2011 and subsequently photographed by Judith Sparhawk the same day.  It was seen by 5 people, off and on for about 30 minutes in the morning of 6/11, before it flew away and did not return to the feeders.

Yellow Grosbeak is a casual summer visitor to Arizona, with the majority of the records in June.  There are 19 previously accepted records and one additional report pending with the Arizona Bird Committe.  Another bird was photographed at Ash Canyon the day after this sighting.  Although the Ash Canyon bird stayed for several days, Yellow Grosbeak, like this bird in Patagonia, is a notorious "one day wonder" in Arizona.

This female Yellow Grosbeak shows the characteristic large size, massive head, massive gray bill, yellow underparts and white spotted wings. 

11 June 2011, photos by Judith Sparhawk

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