Purple finches in morning light

[finnbay]

I'm assuming these are purples. The female hanging around with them seemed to be a clearer choice when looking at Sibley's. I would sure stand down if the experts decided house finch.

[Nymph]

Fabulous shots, Ken.... Great color and detail!

[dockothebay]

Very pretty images, Ken. I love the gorgeous red bird against the bright blue sky and green pine boughs!

[Birdsong]

I'm not the expert, but the first two photos say purple finch to me. The eyebrow on the female, and the coloring on the male look right. I have a few now, too. Nice photos, particularly the first two. I am hosting female white wing crossbills for the last two days. Did you guys have a cone crop failure up there? They are eating at the feeders for long stretches.

[MN Shutterbug]

They sure are pretty, this time of year. Nice job capturing them in their spring plumage. I really like the third and fourth ones.

[Steve Foss]

Ken, nice images!

Birdsong, we've had big numbers of white-winged and red crossbills up here all winter (more w-w than reds), but so far none of them have been at my feeders. We have mature spruce/pine trees in around our yard, and they've been in and out of those trees feeding on the cones, but not once have they come down for sunflower seeds.

I think that's because we've got an abundant cone crop and there's plenty of their usual food for them.

Maybe the ones you've got aren't finding cones to gobble.

[Birdsong]

Birdsong, we've had big numbers of white-winged and red crossbills up here all winter (more w-w than reds), but so far none of them have been at my feeders. We have mature spruce/pine trees in around our yard, and they've been in and out of those trees feeding on the cones, but not once have they come down for sunflower seeds.

I think that's because we've got an abundant cone crop and there's plenty of their usual food for them.

Maybe the ones you've got aren't finding cones to gobble.

Hmmm. That's why I asked. The local bird guru says we do get occasionals in the winter in Lyon and Lincoln County, even a rare nesting if they are very late to come through in the spring, I guess, but I have never seen one in my yard before, and probably have only seen one or two out birding. He also was very surprised to hear they were here. I thought your cone crop may have sent them our way. Probably just some of the nomads heading back your way again and haven't found their food of choice in abundance. I am certainly enjoying having something different around!

[jonny_redhorse]

Love the coloring in these!....and the composition!....the deep blues and colors of the birds are great together!......beautiful images!

[Jim Almquist]

Great looking images Ken. I like all the color these guys bring to the trees.

[ShawnZ]

Number three is a cracker!! Great purple finch images in some sweet light.

[Dbl]

Beautiful colors!

[JayinMN]

Beautiful shots, the the pines compliment them very well.

[panthrcat]

stunning, the bokea <- not sure about spelling that,, lol but yea........ that, is really great in these images!!

[Debbie K]

Great series Ken.

[Catmendo]

Excellent Ken!