Backyard "Purssin's" Finch

[Bryan Guarente]

Having made the mistake many times before (Purple versus Cassin's Finch), I am hesitant to call this bird a Purple Finch.  I am pretty convinced though this time and have some photos for your perusal, and more opinions are appreciated.  Will discuss more later, but here are the initial photos.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/dafekt1ve/15588523669/in/photostream/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/dafekt1ve/15772478681/in/photostream/

Let me know what you think.

Bryan Guarente

Instructional Designer/Meteorologist

UCAR/The COMET Program

Boulder, CO

[Bryan Guarente]

For those interested in the female "eastern" Purple Finch seen today, I can give you more details and more photos.  

https://www.flickr.com/photos/dafekt1ve/

Five of the photos are by John Vanderpoel (noted in the details) and three are mine.  

Discussion:

This bird showed up this morning at my feeders with a large flock of House Finches.  I had been watching the feeders as there were 10 species visible in just my backyard (not counting flyovers).  I was enjoying the diversity, when this finch landed in view with a large white eyestripe.  I told my wife it was a Cassin's Finch, but immediately started doubting myself since I hadn't looked at it long enough.  Upon further reflection, this bird had 

• a curved culmen on a shorter beak than is expected from Cassin's Finch
  
• buffy sides (not always visible in the photos)
  
• darkest brown on its auriculars
  
• no eyering
  
• thick, dark streaks on the white breast and sides
  
• unmarked undertail coverts
  
• and overall color darker than surrounding House Finches
• David Dowell heard the bird call in flight multiple times and described it as a "pik".

Heard from multiple people after posting to CoBirds.  Some doubt was cast on this bird because of the photos not showing the buffy sides.  But I can guarantee they were present on the bird in person.  

Visiting/Chasing this bird:

I did NOT see the bird after 2:10pm this afternoon.  The House Finches were still present but there was no Purple Finch amongst them.  I will post to CoBirds in the morning if the bird shows up again.  I am happy to have visitors before 2pm tomorrow.  After that, my work schedule is going to change.  If you would like to try to chase the bird, please email me back for address and phone number.  The bird is not easily seen from the streets due to a privacy fence.  Entering into the yard will cause the birds to disperse as the yard is not very large, so please DO NOT enter into the gated yard if you do choose to chase this bird.  I am willing to entertain folks in the house for viewing. This is a much better option with the temps forecast for tomorrow.  

Let me know if you would like to chase this bird tomorrow.  I will post if the bird shows.  If you don't hear from me, the bird hasn't shown up.  

Bryan

Bryan Guarente

Instructional Designer/Meteorologist

UCAR/The COMET Program

Boulder, CO

[Bryan Guarente]

The female-type Purple Finch has shown up again this morning at my yard in Longmont, CO.  I am willing to have folks stop by to see her BEFORE 2pm today.  Email me if you are interested in coming over and I will give you more details.  Thanks.

Bryan

Bryan Guarente

Instructional Designer/Meteorologist

UCAR/The COMET Program

Boulder, CO

[Bryan Guarente]

The female-type Purple Finch has not shown up yet this morning, but I had to leave for work.  I will keep people posted if it does show up after work or if someone tells me they saw it.  

Thanks.

Bryan

Bryan Guarente

Instructional Designer/Meteorologist

UCAR/The COMET Program

Boulder, CO

[Bryan Guarente]

She is finally here again today as of 3:33pm. If people want to try today that is fine. I will accept people tomorrow but indoor seating may not be possible. 

The brd has been quite sporadic today. Maybe the snow tomorrow will help drive it to the feeders more. 

Bryan

--