Thursday, April 30, 2009

Pretty Bird

We were treated to a visit by a male house finch recently. Most are quite skittish and won't stick around if they pick up any movement nearby. It made it quite a challenge to get good photos.
This feeder is right outside the kitchen window. We get several members of the finch family, blue jays, starlings, even a woodpecker now and again. Most stick around no matter what we do, but the house finches take off at the slightest provocation.
They come by fairly often now, so we see them all the time. They usually only stay a few seconds at a time.
Last week, for reasons known only to this fellow, he stuck around and let us take his picture.
We're glad he did.

14 comments:

Tom Rooney said...

Leah, We have them here too and you're so right that they are gone as fast as they arrive. Nice photo

Missicat said...

How pretty! Looks like he had a few "words" for you though :-)

Leah J. Utas said...

One has to be quick on the draw or be able to fool them, Tom.
Thanks.

Missicat, he sure did.

the Bag Lady said...

dfLeah - gorgeous little birds, aren't they?

We had several finches here yesterday, but it is next to impossible to photograph them. I am not positive, but I think they were Purple Finches. So pretty.

Glad you got some good pictures of your House Finch - makes up for me taking a bunch of pictures of the air the Purple Finches just vacated.....

Leah J. Utas said...

Oh, I know all about the air pics, dfBag Lady.
This is the kitchen feeder. We had the blinds up, the light off, and did our best to stay hidden behind the curtains. The advantage of the Pentax K20 is I could stand well back and still get an adequate shot.
Purple finches are beautiful. I always have to check the bird book when the house finches come by in case a purple one tries to sneak in

Hilary said...

Lovely! I have far more photos of air than birds too. My feeder comes into really sharp focus when there's no beautiful birds on it to distract the eye. ;) Well done, Leah.

Leah J. Utas said...

Hilary, thank you so much. I'm glad you're enjoying my bird pics.
The best part of digital photography is I can mess up many times over for free. I have 5 1/2 dozen pics of this fellow.

Reb said...

He is a beauty! I am glad you got a photo of him. Digital is wonderful isn't it?

Leah J. Utas said...

Thanks, Reb. I am so tickled the house finches, and all the other birdies, get so close to the house.

Elaine Will Sparber said...

Great shot, Leah! I have to figure out how to rig a feeder by my kitchen window.

Thomma Lyn said...

What a handsome finchy fellow! :) I'm so glad you got his picture.

Leah J. Utas said...

Elaine, thanks so much. Our table is right beside the window. I never thought I'd be enjoying my meals whilst looking up a bird's tailfeathers, but I do.

Thanks, Thomma Lynn. He cuts a fine figure at the feeder.

Nancy said...

He's adorable.

Leah J. Utas said...

Thanks, Lover of Life. I agree completely.