Flashes of Red

For the last several weeks, we have had dozens of Purple Finches coming to the feeder and just hanging out in the trees around the house.  They remind us of the influx of Common Redpolls we got last winter. Like them, finches chow down on sunflower seeds big time.  It’s wonderful to hear them sing each morning as I walk the dog — they seem to go on forever and their melodies are delightful.  They have gotten more red in their appearance and are parading in full breeding plumage these days.  Here’s one on our apple tree last evening.

Purple Finches not only sing like angels but are beautiful this time of year.

Today, I birded early with the dog and got an email from Mary with a subject:  “At The Feeder.”  Because of poor reception on the iPhone, the message did not download — but I suspected what she was writing about.  When I got home, I got cell coverage off our home system and read as I sat in the truck in the garage:  “Rose-breasted Grosbeak!!!”

We’ve been hoping for some orioles because birders in the area have been seeing a few.  Of course, the bird never showed again as I prepared for a doctor’s appointment in Hanover.

Several hours later, after successful lab test results, I got a text from Mary:  “He’s back again.”   Of course, I was an hour and a half away in another state.

Arriving home in the afternoon, I hoped our friend was not just passing by.  Sure enough, about a half hour after I got home, I saw him in the apple tree.  What a handsome addition to a tree already laden with Purple Finches (and a few apple blossoms.)  So, he’s County Bird 95 and we are hopeful that he’ll stick around and nest in the neighborhood.

“Hey, are you pointing that camera at me?”

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