Purple/House Finch

In the winter, the Northern Cardinals, Sparrows, Chickadee', and Junco's dont leave for warmer weather. These Finch's are the same. One difference between the Finch and others is that they can and do come in packs, large groups to feed. And no matter their small size, with superior numbers they hold off all other birds, even doves who are 3-4 times their size until they have had their fill at the feeder. These Finch prefer to nest in areas that are thick with conifers, deeciduous trees and or shrubs. (AKA my neighbors out back.) They love sunflower seeds, as well as seed from thistle, dandelion and other weeds. In the late summer, like the cardinals cherries and mulberries are favorites. The males, who have a red color(books say "raspberry") which results from feeding on a diverse diet. (Not just weed seeds). When given a choice, females usually select colorful males over duller rivals, as colorful birds are usually older and make better mates than young inexperienced males. These guys came by the other day right after the cardinal had left, as you can see, they travel in packs giving them the numbers advantage at the feeders.

Our male cardinal/ice storm

So behind us we have a cardinal couple who whenever they can come over and help themselves to some of the Black oil and striped sunflower, hulled sunflower and safflower seeds. They really enjoy dried fruits, cranberries, blueberries, the book says 33 different types of wild berries we put out. This is the male, he came at a paticular time when no other birds were even out, durring the ice and snow storm that came through yesterday. As i walked into the bed room i heard him chirping, not expecting to see him on my window sill, he is extremely figgity was able to get off a couple of quick shots before he noticed me and flew away. He Must be stocking up, this entire weekend and week will be in the single digits and feel like, with the wind, negative 20-30's. They have several different pleasent sounds (chirps) and songs they sing, along with their bright, unique coats which makes them stand out even more. Unlike most songbirds, both male and female cardinals sing, the female has a softer song. Males often feed the female during courtship and while she incubates. Females build the next in dense shrub; both feed the young.

Holiday flowers, Christmas-New Years

I still have all the flowers from summer to log in here, almost done and as soon as they are finished, they will be posted. In the meantime, These are the holiday flowers raised this year durring December-January. We always plant the classic dark red "Double Dragon" Amarylis. In addition, this year we had some "Apple Blossum" (the pinkish white) and my favorite, first time having them, the all white, "White Alfresco's). As you can see these have many more layers and can grow to be larger than the usual red ones. We will save these bulbs for sure, packed away with all the christmas gear. Along with the Amarylis, we did the Ziva Papperwhites and Carnegie White Hyacinth, even a few tulips just to add to the color of the collections. Instead of the usual ceramic pots, went with these small wooden box's that have no lid on the top. Lined them with plastic, then filled them with a mix of garden soil, potting soil and Spagnham Moss. They turned out better than anticipated. And even after the blooms, the plants continue to grow, several of the Amarylis have sprouted new flower stalks along with the Hyacinths...