7 replies to this topic

[outdoor3]

There have been several of these hanging around my yard and birdfeeder the past couple of days. I have idntified them as house finches. I am looking for validation that these are indeed what I have identified them as...the map shows that the only place they are in Alberta is in the southwest near Calgary. I live on a farm an hour north of Edmonton which is in the northern half of the province. I have lived here for over forty years and have never seen these birds before, nor has my mother who has been here for 75. Any input would be welcome.  House fince 2 nov 19, 2012.jpg   688.69K   55 downloads  female house finch.jpg   566.84K   52 downloads

[TheBillyPilgrim]

You've actually got a Pine Grosbeak! A much better bird, imo

Welcome to Whatbird!

[sailormom64]

Doesn't look like house finch to me! And I have seen more than my fair share of em trying to turn them into cooler birds lol

[Indybirder]

Agree with Pine Grosbeak. Awesome bird!

[blackburnian]

Thirded!

[outdoor3]

Thanks for the help! Ironically, according to the map they shouldn't be where I live, but I'm glad they are! Very cool to watch.

[BarnSwallow]

My Sibley's guide has pine grosbeaks occuring in all of Alberta. That said, this is an irruption year. A lot of northern birds are moving farther south for the winter, due to food shortages in their usual areas.

[BarnSwallow]

Oh, I forgot to mention - those are great pics of a couple of beautiful birds!!