Finch Central

On Friday night Bob and I were going out somewhere, and as we walked by the back door I looked out, and every perch on the finch feeder was occupied by a purple finch, and there were about a half dozen goldfinches sitting in the tree waiting their turn. One of them got tired of waiting, I guess, and buzzed over and knocked one of the others off, and there was a flurry of gold and purple wings.

I love seeing the finches, they're so tiny and compact and bright--I decided I'd get another finch feeder, and I did yesterday. Now, every time I walk by the door I look out, and nearly every time both feeders are completely full. I almost feel like I should get another one, but I suppose two is enough. I looked out this afternoon and there was a dove in the birdbath, half a dozen sparrows sitting on the edge of the bath getting drinks, eight finches on the feeders (four on each one), and several other finches flitting around trying to find a spot.

Bob said something about them eating us out of house and home, and the seed they like (thistle, or Niger, seed) isn't particularly cheap, but I do love seeing them. It's probably not really necessary to feed them in the summer, but I figure it's little enough to spend for so much enjoyment. And the cats enjoy them, too, of course--from the safety (for the birds) of the inside of the living room window.