There are a number of reasons why I decided to take on this project. My first reason has to do with my interest in birds. This began shortly after moving to Victoria ten and a half years ago. With our house backing onto a wooded area, the chirping of birds is a familiar sound all year long. I often glance out the window to see birds of all forms in the yard throughout the day. Frequently I will pull out the Birds of Victoria or Birds of North America reference guides we have on hand. Unfortunately, the drawings in the first aren’t overly helpful for identification and the number of entries in the second is overwhelming. My second reason has to do with a photography course I took a number of years ago. Since that time I have been trying to think of a practical reason to buy a new camera. Taking pictures of birds requires a powerful zoom lens which my previous point-and-shoot camera could not accommodate. Perfect! My final reason was my desire to take on a new project to welcome in 2011. Hence, bird of the day was born.



Tuesday, January 18, 2011

House Finch

Carpodacus mexicanus

Appearance:
Brown streaked back and wings
White underparts with brown streaking
Weakly notched tail
Male:
Red face, throat and rump
Female:
Indistinctly marked face

Listen to its song.

I encountered a flock of these birds while walking home from work today. (Apparently, the proper term for this is a 'development' of finches). Their musical chirping drew them to my attention. Luckily, I've taken to carrying my camera around with me for just such occasions.

Here's an interesting fact for you. The coloring of the male house finch can range from deep red to golden yellow, depending on its diet during molting.

Learn more about the House Finch.

Additional photos:
female

 male

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2 comments:

  1. AnonymousJanuary 19, 2011 at 1:06 PM

    hmmm...hope u see a purple finch soon. want to compare...i've been calling anything with red a finch!

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousJanuary 20, 2011 at 2:50 PM

    lovely photos Beth!

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