Increases in Cassin's Finch

Cassin's Finch is a another mountain species that comes down to Canon City in the winter, and this year they seem to be here in increased numbers. In the past few weeks I have seen small groups of them in Rouse Park, along Temple Canyon Rd, and along the Canon City Riverwalk. Most I have seen have been females, though I don't know why that might be.

I have also had one Cassin's Finch, though only one, a few times in my yard coming to my feeders. This female fed mostly on thistle seed though she also tried some safflower seed. These pics show the pale eye-ring, weak (but clear)face pattern, crisp streaking and very long primary projection (where the primary tips project beyond the tips of the tertial feathers). In the top pic a safflower seed is visible inside the bird's mouth. Both pics enlarge nicely to give very close-up views so double-click on each pic. SeEtta