The finch convention

After four December frosts, the garden looks very brown and still, post-Christmas. That is, the plants are brown and still. There is still plenty of color and motion and sound here because the finches have arrived!

Actually, the American Goldfinches have been here for several weeks but they haven't been coming to the feeders in any great numbers until this week. And, finally, this week the Pine Siskins showed up, too, and now I have a convention of finches at the feeders. A confinchion, you might say.

I got a new lens for my camera for Christmas and I'm eager to practice with it, so even though it was cold and a bit drizzly today, I did go out and try to record some of the action at the feeders. These are goldfinches with one lone striped siskin hanging upside down on the left.

On the platform feeder, most of the finches were Pine Siskins.

The finches really like the sunflower seed hearts. They seem to spend more time at this feeder than they do at the thistle socks that I hung just for them.

When the Blue Jay flew in for his snack, all the little birds scattered. But they didn't go far and as soon as he left, they were back again.

I didn't stay out very long because it wasn't particularly pleasant and conditions were not really good for photography. Maybe I can practice some more tomorrow.

On days like this, inseparable companions Beau and Bella have the best idea. Find a warm spot such as your favorite footstool in front of the fireplace and curl up for a nap.