A couple passerines

Yesterday I went on one last walk down the local trail to get some fresh air and see what was out and about. There wasn't a whole lot, besides the usual California Towhees, a Spotted Towhee, and Bushtits, but at one point I stopped to look down over the side of the creek bed and a Lesser Goldfinch landed a few yards away.

It sat quite cooperatively on a high vine, cocking its head this way and that, seeming to examine me with mild curiosity.


I put my backpack down as slowly as I could, not taking my eyes off the little bird lest it would fly away, and pulled out my camera. I managed to snap a few shots, although it was slightly backlit.

Eventually the goldfinch darted off to join a small flock of its kin in a tree guarded at the top by two House Finches. These too, posed well against the vivid blue sky and colorful foliage.

They hung around for a few seconds before quarreling among themselves and scattering.

Beautiful little birds though! I will miss them when I go home, although with fall migration starting up soon, we should be getting our own fair share of colorful songbirds through the area.

Until next time,

Happy birding!