Sunday, July 10, 2011

House Finch Nest

This Buckthorn (Rhamnus Frangula Fine Line) is in the garden next to my back door and has airy, fern-like foliage.  The other day while gardening, I just happened to see a tiny bird come flying out of the tree so you know I had to take a peek!

To my surprise, their was a little nest just waiting for some eggs …

A few days later there was one egg …

Then three more bluish-green eggs with black spots …

It appears we have a House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus) living with us.  She is gray-brown, whitish below with dark streaks.  Her song is a rapid, cheery warble.  She will incubate the 4 eggs for 13 to 14 days while the male brings her food.  The female broods the young for the first few days after they hatch, and the male continues to bring food. The female then joins the male in bringing food to the young. The young leave the nest after 12 to 15 days.


13 comments:

Sunray Gardens said...

It's amazing where some of these birds pick to build their nests. I always worry when they are that close to the ground.
Cher Sunray Gardens

Rizzi said...

NATURE IS SO BEAUTIFUL, I LOVE WATCHING BABY BIRDS IN THEIR NEST, AND HOW PROTECTIVE THE MOM AND DAD ARE. WE HAD A FEW NESTS THIS SUMMER TOO. RIZZI

Diana LaMarre said...

I love to have a nest to watch. Unfortunately I don't have any this year. I will have to watch yours. Please keep us updated.

Connie B. said...

How sweet to have such a lovely nest near to you. So beautiful to watch. Lucky you....

Pam~ said...

Ahhhh, how sweet! Enjoy the babies when they arrive!

Jennipher said...

How blessed you are to experience nature so closely. Thanks for sharing.

KarinsArtScrap said...

hi donna, yesterday I could't leave a comment.hope it's working now.
but this is great little birdies in your garden, you have taken beautiful pictures from it.

greetings karin

Kathy said...

Donna, How much fun this must be! I love watching the birds in my back yard. A couple of years ago, we had a hummingbird nest in our backyard, it was so amazing to see! You take beautiful pictures! I need a lesson on how to use my camera! Thanks for sharing these...can't wait to see more! Blessings! Kathy

Diann said...

How fun to be able to watch the babies each day!

Rosemary said...

Great photos , always impressed at natures ways.

Shirley @ The Gardening LIfe said...

How fortunate you are to be nearby while this parenting duo do their thing. We had a robin's nest under the support beams of the deck but I think a crow paid a visit as we spotted a broken egg with traces of yolk but no chicks in sight, ever. They have nested there successfully previously but the last two years the crows and ravens have caught on. If only I knew how to make the area secure from them and accessible for the robins.

Thanks for taking the time to comment on my article about the woman facing 93 days imprisonment for growing vegetables in her front yard. I agree, it is absurd that she should have to go through any of this!

Maura @ Kisiwa Creek Photography said...

Hi Donna!
What a wonderful surprise to find a nest so close to your door and then to find out it's a song bird too! We'll be watching for more photo's as the babies grow and a report on how the family is doing ;) Have a wonderful day!
Maura :)

Polished Moxie said...

You lucky girl! I love watching the birds and hearing the chirping of the little ones. I've observed several baby finches in our garden, but never been lucky enough to see one of their nests.

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