Flashes of Red on the Bayou

After spending the entire morning and well into the afternoon cutting grass, I decided to take full advantage of the nice breeze coming off the Bay.  Mark had gotten me two new yard benches so with my glass of sweet tea in hand, I headed back outside.  Michael had assembled the benches and placed them facing the Bay.  This just happened to make them also face the half dozen bird feeders that I have hanging along the board path.  I had the perfect view for doing a bit of bird watching!  Ms. Ez came along with the anticipation of doing a bit a squirrel chasing!

While out, I noticed the usual birds hitting the feeders.  The Redheaded Woodpeckers, Redbellied Woodpeckers, Cardinals, Redwinged Blackbirds, Blue Jays and Titmice all made appearances.  Brown Thrashers, Rufous-sided Towhees and Mourning Doves hovered below the feeders.  The doves pecked at seeds dropped from the feeders and the thrashers and towhees searched the area for critters.  I was feeling pretty happy with my busy feeders!

Just as I was getting a bit used to the constant change of birds, I saw a flash of red.  This was different than the others..just a slight touch of crimson.  Aha!  House Finches had come to dine!  I knew we had a family somewhere in the area but their sightings had been scarce.  Now, the family invaded the feeders!  Seven of the birds munched on black oil sunflower seeds.

Some folks will tell you that these birds are a nuisance merely because at times their numbers can be immense.  They multiply rapidly.  Mama Finch will lay up to six eggs per nesting and can sometimes raise up to six broods per season!  Yep, that is a lot of birds!  Still, I sort of like the House Finches if for no other reason than their song.  To me, they have a pretty call.  It is not as elaborate as the Mockingbird's or Brown Thrasher's song but it is quite cheerful.  I figure this old world needs as much cheerfulness as it can get so why not enjoy a bird's song?  So, that said, "Welcome, House Finches!  Welcome!"