House Finch

House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)

 While looking for birds in the Inspiration Garden at Mt. Fir Park in Independence on Thursday, Jeanette and I were stunned by the brilliant red of this male House Finch. I can only guess that he is putting on his brightest best for the upcoming breeding season. House Finches, although very common now in our urban areas, are actually rather late arrivals, not appearing in the Willamette Valley region until the 1940's. Thier species name "mexicanus" is probably a hint to the original geographic location. It is now February, and I was glad to be reminded that the wonderful Spring season is due to begin with all the attractive plumage of males on display in an effort to coax females into pairing up.