Yesterday, around dinner time, this LBJ stopped by my window feeder. It sat there in the feeder for the longest time doing absolutely nothing. It just sat there, not even bothering to eat any of the seed, and I was thinking something might be wrong with it.
I got up from my computer and stood there at the window watching the bird, expecting it to fly off, but it didn't. So I slowly backed up to retrieve my camera, returned to the window and started snapping away. I couldn't believe it wasn't bothered by what I was doing. From what I could tell it looks like a recently fledged female housefinch -- those of you who may know better, please correct me if I'm mistaken. Just click on the photos to get a larger view.
It finally began to eat some of the seed. I kept looking around for mama or papa, but didn't see either of them. Actually, this LBJ was all by itself. There didn't seem to be any other birds around at the time, except for a hummingbird. I thought it would be fun to capture this little critter on video, and so I got started. As I was filming, one of our cats decided she wanted a piece of the action and rubbed up against the lens of the camera. And in the midst of this comical scene Red's laughter (my daughter) is recorded and we both can be heard talking about the cat. I was hoping to figure out how to edit the recording so I could post it. But I'll have to leave that for another time.
8 comments:
I am hopeless at LBJ's! They drive me crazy!
ruth
That does appear to be a female House Finch. They are so common that at times I forget how pretty they are! I love LBJs even if they are hard to ID at times.
Hi Mary!
That bird looks just like the one I photographed yesterday. Yep, it looks like a young house finch to me but I have been wrong many times. House finches are very brave, especially the young ones. It will catch on about its protection in time.
I wish I could see that video and hear the laughter!
What size was this LBJ?? finch size?? If so, was probably a finch as listed above! If larger, could be a cowbird!
Hi Mary,
How exciting!
Your photo is excellent! Through the window too?
I think female House Finch too.
They are pretty.
She was jsut enjoying having all that seed to herself!
Looking forward to your video!
Sherry
Hi Mary,
I vote for juvenile house finch also. Those little feather "horns" seem to be pretty characteristic of these LBJs.
Ruth - I know how you feel. I have had both house sparrows and house finches all summer - that's why I wasn't absolutely positive about its identity.
Veery - thanks for your vote of confidence. They are pretty, aren't they? Even the baby sparrows are cute.
Mary - As you know, it's not easy to positively ID these LBJs, is it? I am gonna try to post that video, even though it hasn't been edited.
Mon@rch - It was slightly smaller than most of the adult sized house finches. And I don't think I've ever seen a cowbird in my yard - at least not yet.
Sherry - thanks. As I mentioned above to Mary, I will try to post the video so all of you can get a good laugh.
Ruthie - I'm glad you mentioned those little tufts on her head. I didn't realize that was common with juvie house finches. I thought those little tufts were so cute.
It was fun watching the video ... what a sweet bird! I didn't know you were a hockey fan!! Cool ...
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