Greetings,

Last night while talking all things bird over dinner with Ryan, one of the topics that came up was feeder birds and in particular winter finches. In the past I have had great fortune with winter finches in my yard including Pine Grosbeak, Evening Grosbeak, Pine Siskin, Purple Finch, Common Redpoll, and Hoary Redpoll. Unfortunately, so far, this winter has not been so stellar with finches other than a small smattering of House Finches and American Goldfinches.

While lots of Pine Siskins continue to be reported throughout the region, and while I have even observed them in my county as far back as October, no siskins have shown up for a hefty helping of thistle here at my property. Even Purple Finches which have shown up in great numbers in the past have been absent this winter, a note I focused on intensely with Ryan as I vividly recalled 30-40 Purple Finches crowding a tray for sunflower seeds. However, today upon looking out at my platform feeder, one of the first birds to present itself was of all things, a male Purple Finch! The bird was far from the finery that some Purple Finches display with a raspberry hue, however, it was so great to see one of these birds back. I can only hope that more purples, siskins and other great treats may be around the corner. Lots of hope continues for 2009!

Bird on!,
Chad