A Male Finch
A Female Finch
Springtime brings
welcome changes including an increase in the bird populations of our area. We get used to seeing the noisy and
assertive varieties like woodpeckers, jays and Flickers but we also start to notice the "shy" birds that don't
attract a lot of attention.
If we could get up very
close to them, like the ones caught by this camera lens, we would notice the incredible feather patterns, the subtle
details of anatomy and the expressive postures of these feathered friends.
Worldwide, there are
many varieties of finches, often characterized by distinctive markings and bright coloration. Several types can be
seen in the Sierra Foothills. We might spot Goldfinches, Purple Finches, and common House Finches. Though similar to
House Finches, these photographed by Linda, seem to be Cassin's Finches. The males have brown back and wings, with a
pinkish tint over their backs and white belly.
When you first catch a
glimpse, they may seem like just a nondescript brown bird of medium size. Then that little flash of male red plumage,
which varies in intensity and quantity, attracts your eye.
As in many bird species,
the mature male Cassin's is more colorful. The crested crown of his head can be an eye-catching scarlet color.
Females often have a more "camo" look with splotches of brown, tan and cream colors to blend in with nesting habitat.
In our area, they can be
seen in the wild and are attracted to home bird feeders. Their short sturdy beaks are perfect tools for cracking
hard-shelled seeds. They also may eat insects, berries and grasses to some extent. They don't seem to be drawn to the
"thistle sock" feeders favored by the Goldfinch.
So when you fill your
feeders, remember to include some sunflower seeds and you may have these very same visitors at your house sometime
soon.
Linda Gast
www.hummingbirdmountain.com
www.mariposaspca.org
www.goldrushcam.com
