Lets start the new year with birds. 1-3-2014

We still have a pair of cardinals coming to our feeders.  I am having to take the photos through our kitchen window.

Charlie, our kitty is hiding from me behind the plants.  He likes to nibble on them.

With this really cold weather, I went out to put feed in the feeders.  Within an hour mourning doves found a seat on a planter to enjoy the fair.

House finch and a sparrow enjoying the feast.

American Tree Sparrow

And look what else flew into the yard.  The sun was setting and this robin showed up.  I know there are robins in a forest preserve about 4 miles  from our house, So where has this fellow been hiding.  He did not stop at the feeder, just sat on the branch above it.
What a great start for the new year.

Backyard birds on the 7th of December

Dark-eyed Junco

Dark-eyed Junco

Dark-eyed Junco

Black-capped Chickadee

House Finch

Black-capped Chickadee

House Finch

House Finch

The picture captures the house finch with the  rust colored head, chest and rump.  The American  gold finch is the yellow bird.

The male finch is the one with the orange face, and chest and if you see the back the rump area is that color as well.   The females build the nest and will have up to 2 broods a year.

They are not necessarily a migratory.  They move around to find food.  They like seeds, fruit and leaf buds.  They will come to seed feeders.
According to one book they were originally introduced to Long Island, New York in the 1940's  from western America.  It is a very social bird. It visits feeders in small flocks.  Seems to prefer nesting in hanging flower baskets.  The incubating female is fed by the male.  It has a loud and cheerful warbling song.