Saturday, January 12, 2013

Company from up north...

In December, I was happy to get a visit from our neighbor's up North.  It was the Gray-Crowned Rosy-Finch. 
Once a year, for the past 4 years, we have been visited by a flock during the winter months.  This is the earliest and the fewest we have had.  The most we had was about 50 in February in 2009.


"These birds are common and widespread in Alaska and northwestern Canada. Locally common on alpine tundra. They have been known to migrate as far as the Great Plains during the winter months."


"Like all Rosy-Finches, during nesting season these birds develop a gular pouch in the upper throat with an opening to the floor of the mouth, which helps them carry large amounts of seeds to their young.  They live in flocks and loose colonies all year." Smithsonian Handbook Birds of North America 2001


My company has long since gone, but I enjoyed the few days they visited.  I do have a feeling the chickadees and redpolls are happy to have their feeder back. 
 

13 comments:

  1. To start, I have to tell you that I made your caramel apple pie for the man who is working on our barn roof--His family loved it,and we did too!!

    Second, I love the little visitors. There's just something about seeing something like these little birds come back year after year.

    I hope you're enjoying your weekend!

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  2. You got some great pics! We are in NY and we have beautiful cardinals right now! They won't sit still long enough for me to snap a picture! They look so beautiful against the white snow! :)

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  3. What fun! I don't think I've ever seen a Gray-crowned Rosy Finch. We seldom have many winter birds, but this year we do have the chickadees and redpolls. There's also a flicker and downy woodpecker that hang out near the feeders.

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  4. Lovely photos ! We have so many breeds of birds all year long the summer ones leave and the winter ones arrive ! I love feeding and watching the birdies ! Have a good day !

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  5. It's always fun to have those seasonal guests at the feeders! I love it when an unexpected visitor shows up! Have a great new year!

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  6. Those little birds are absolutely lovely! We so enjoy our feeders.

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  7. Amazing how they stay warm...they are such tiny creatures...

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  8. I don't usually take the time to research types of birds...but I do think finches are especially pretty. On the pictures on the bird feeders, I can see how they get their "rosy" name! Pretty!

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  9. You have just reminded me to hang my suet ball.

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  10. BBBB - I love your photos! I've never seen a Rosy Finch as they don't come this far west. I finally got bird feeders up at the new place. The birds are happy! Cheers, Jenni

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  11. I have never seen a Rosy Finch either. Looks like a fun visitor to have and photograph.

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  12. We don't get that sort of finch over here but we do get other types of finches that maybe you don't have. Each country seems to have its own variations. Love watching the birds feeding n our garden.

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