House Finch: Kennebunk, Maine, USA — Already this year is different than last year, bird-wise. Last year the House Finches made a brief appearance right about now, for a single sighting, and then disappeared until late summer. They were replaced at the feeders by Purple Finches soon after that one visit, so we did not miss them. All considered, I prefer Purple Finches to House Finches anyway. Purple Finches are somehow more “wild”, less domesticated than their aptly named House Finch cousins. The small tribe that frequented our yard spring, summer, and fall were the first to pay more than a fleeting visit to the feeders, so there was the novelty factor. This year the House Finches have been here several days, and are at the feeders several times a day, for extended visits. All finches have the capacity to hog the feeders…as they sit on the perch and throw seed around until they find just the right one. As in this set of photos of our male, taken at close range from my backyard photo blind. Sony Rx10iv at 600mm equivalent. Program mode with my custom birds and wildlife modifications. Processed in Polarr and Apple Photos. ISO 200 @ f4 @ 1/500th.