Not today, dear, my feathers are ruffled!

I had a couple of technically better shots today, but I kept coming back to this one. The house finches (carpodacus mexicanus) in our yard are moving into full courtship mode and what you see here is a female fluttering and begging the way a fledgling would. The male, who appeared to be a bit new at the dating game, kept leaning over to feed her, but she rebuffed him each time. These are the little moments that I love being able to see and record. Here is what AllAboutBirds.org has to say about House Finch courtship...

During courtship, males sometimes feed females in a display that begins with the female gently pecking at his bill and fluttering her wings. The male simulates regurgitating food to the female several times before actually feeding her.

House finches are a common bird in the US and southern Canada, resident in most areas year round. They are also prone to avian conjuctivitis - some of you may recall that I've captured several sick birds and taken them to an Avian rescue facility where they have been treated.

The also-ran shots today...

Black-capped chickadee, posing

White-throated sparrow, looking a bit ruffled

Not-quite mirror image...

It's Wednesday and you know what that means ... Hump Day! And two days until the weekend. Our temps are supposed to get into the high 50's (F) by the end of the week, so I am looking forward to hitting some of the trails. Is is possible? Is spring actually here?

xxoo
Debbi