02-NOV-2010
American Goldfinch #7089
We had American Goldfinches in the back yard until the first week of May, 2010. We then went on a two-week vacation to the Galapagos, and when we got back, the American Goldfinches had left for the summer. When I was sitting outside today, I noticed our first returning visitor on the seed feeder, so this picture documents his arrival. They already have their winter plumage. Last winter they were very common, so I will be interested in seeing if they return this winter in similar numbers.
01-NOV-2010
Dark-eyed Junco (Pink-sided) #7056
Juncos have quickly become the most common visitors in the back yard. The most common right now are Pink-sided Juncos, then Oregon Juncos, and then Gray-headed Juncos. They are cheerfully rummaging around in the leaves that have fallen from the trees, looking for seeds or other tidbits.
31-OCT-2010
Pine Siskin meets House Finch #6940
Carduelis pinus and Carpodacus mexicanus
Pine Siskins and House Finches seem to get along quite well. The rock they are standing on here is on the way to the pond, where they like to drink and take a bath. The picture nicely illustrates the differences between the two finches -- the House Finch is larger and has a sturdier beak, and the Pine Siskin has a conical pointed beak.
30-OCT-2010
Common Raven #6261
While taking pictures at a local soccer game, this Raven flew over the field, right above my head. I have trouble distinguishing Ravens from Crows, but this is pretty straightforward, based on his tendency to glide, and the pointed shape of his tail.
29-OCT-2010
Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon) #5779
This is a representative picture of what I am calling an Oregon Junco -- deep dark hood with no dark line between the eyes and the beak, and only a slight amount of buff-colored feathers below the wings.
28-OCT-2010
Bushtit #5687
The Bushtits are coming by more often, sampling some pretty old suet and seed cakes. We did have one large flock of them visit today, about twenty-five of them checking out the yard. These are very hyperactive little birds, always fun to watch.
27-OCT-2010
Dark-eyed Junco (Pink-sided) #5641
The Juncos have been back only for about a week now, and I have not grown tired of these cute little sparrows yet. This one set himself down on a submerged rock in the pond, and I thought he picked a nice picturesque spot.
26-OCT-2010
White-winged Dove #5566
Now that the ground-feeding Juncos have returned for the winter, I have been putting a bit more seed on the ground. The Doves are perfectly happy with this idea, and are now spending more time around the pond. This one got too close to get more than his head.
23-OCT-2010
Pine Siskin #4871
The most interesting thing about this picture of a Pine Siskin is that he perched at exactly the same place as the House Finch did yesterday. The winter birds are almost all here now, even the Lesser Goldfinches have moved south. One question I have is whether or not we will get any American Goldfinches wintering here this year, like we did last year. It may still be early for them.
22-OCT-2010
House Finch #4371
It's been a several weeks since I posted a House Finch. There are usually a few hanging around all the time, and the red feathers on the males is getting a bit darker, as compared to the light pink that I associate with what I think are first year males. They are greatly outnumbered by the smaller Pine Siskins.
20-OCT-2010
Lesser Goldfinch #4325
We are being dominated by Pine Siskins, with occasional House Finches and Juncos. When this Lesser Goldfinch showed up, I took her picture just because she was not a Pine Siskin.
19-OCT-2010
Dark-eyed Junco (Pink-Sided) #4321
The Juncos that are now arriving are exploring the back yard. This one is a member of the Pink-Sided group, also considered to be part of the Oregon Juncos. Pink-Sided Juncos have a large cinnamon-colored area on their flanks, and their head caps are grayer than the Oregon Juncos.
