Yesterday I saw the first Blue Grosbeaks I have seen in Ohio, along with Henslow's Sparrows in the same location.  It was in the VOA Park in western Butler County, in a patch of grass and trees above the park headquarters, near some concrete bunkers.  I first heard the "chink" of the Blue Grosbeaks, and spotted the male on top of the bunker, then later saw the female hopping about with him in a nearby tree.  I was able to approach within ten yards of their perch and observe them closely at length.  I realized that the Blue Grosbeak is one of the hardest birds to see because its color is rather dark and its size is not much greater than the commoner Indigo Bunting.  However, there is a distinct crest visible as the bird moves about, and the sound of its "chink" call is distinctive.  The bird did not sing but was unmistakable at close range.  As I was watching them, I heard a different sound in the grass below the tree.  It was the "hiccup" of the Henslow's Sparrow, which is even more furtive than the Blue Grosbeak.  There were several calling in the thick grass but I got just one good look at one of them, enough to identify this similarly elusive bird.  I have seen Henslow's Sparrows in this locale before, but never Blue Grosbeaks until yesterday  Bill Pratt at Miami of Ohio

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