While I was at Farmington Bay WMA two days ago, this foraging female House Finch next to the road caught my eyes in the early morning light.
Foraging female House Finch – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I almost missed seeing her because she blended into the roadside habitat so well. Thankfully her movement on the bush made her presence known to me.
House Finches are abundant in northern Utah and I see them year round in many locations. I often hear and see them at home, up high in the mountains, in the desert foothills, various parks in the valleys, and in the marshes that surround the Great Salt Lake.
I used to have House Finches that nested under the awning over my living room window at my home in Virginia on a yearly basis. Sometimes more than once a year. It was interesting to observe the finches tending to their young from inside my house. I always worried when the young finches fledged because my neighbors allowed their cats to run loose. The cats hung around under the awning when the chicks were about ready to leave the nest. I’d chase the cats off when I could but they always came back.
The plumage of female House Finches is far more subtle than the plumage of the males and they blend into their preferred habitat quite easily. I’m sure that is helpful for their breeding season.
I’m glad that I stopped for this female House Finch and that I took a few images of her. She might not be bright or colorful as some of the other birds that I photograph, but I believe that she is beautiful just as she is.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my House Finch photos plus facts and information about this species.
It’s so nice to see the small birds again. I have been so captivated by the big wading birds around Sarasota that I’ve been missing the “backyard” birds. —Jeri Spann
She is indeed beautiful. Thank you for capturing and sharing that beauty.
I love your stories and posting of the House Finch. They are a joy to see year round in my area. Thank you.