With the arrival of fall in Arkansas, my backyard feeders have become a hub of activity, drawing in a variety of feathered guests. Among them, the House Finches have been particularly captivating, filling the autumn air with their lively calls and adding vibrant splashes of color to the changing landscape.
Recognizing the House Finch
House Finches (Haemorhous mexicanus) are familiar faces across North America, recognized for their adaptability and bright coloring. The males, with their eye-catching reddish-orange plumage on their heads and chests, stand out against the autumn backdrop. While their color intensity varies—depending on diet and individual traits—it’s always easy to tell them apart from their relative, the Purple Finch. For anyone interested in learning more about the subtle differences between these two species, I previously shared a guide on Identifying the House Finch and Purple Finch.
Feeding Habits and Adaptability
One of the most fascinating aspects of House Finches is their versatility in finding food. Though they frequent my feeders, enjoying a steady supply of sunflower seeds, they are also skillful foragers. I’ve even captured a House Finch enjoying a meal of dandelion seeds in my yard, which you can read more about in House Finch and the Dandelion Smorgasbord. Their adaptability allows them to take advantage of both feeder and natural food sources, helping them thrive in various environments.
Distinctive Calls and Lively Behavior
As I sit on my deck, I’m treated to the cheerful calls of the House Finches, a long, musical chirping sound that rises in pitch, setting them apart from the softer “pik” call of the Purple Finch. Their spirited presence is as much a treat for the ears as it is for the eyes. Watching them flit between branches, interact at the feeders, and explore the yard, I’m reminded of their energetic and social nature.
Seasonal Joy in My Backyard
This fall, I’m eager to continue observing and photographing these delightful birds. Their bright plumage, animated behavior, and versatile feeding habits add a layer of enjoyment to the season, turning my yard into a mini wildlife sanctuary. Each visit from a House Finch is a reminder to pause and appreciate the small wonders in nature and the diversity we can observe, even in our own backyards, as autumn unfolds.
Watching these birds reminds me of the simple beauty they bring to each day and the charm they add to the changing seasons.
Camera and Settings
- Date: 10/25/24
- Time: 9:37 AM
- Camera Model: Canon EOS R5
- Lens: Canon RF 200-800mm at 800mm
- ISO: 6400
- Aperture: f/9
- Shutter Speed: 1/800
- Exposure Compensation: +0.7
This technical setup allowed me to capture the House Finch with remarkable clarity and depth, even with the fall light filtering through my Arkansas yard. The higher ISO and exposure compensation helped balance the softer morning light, bringing out the finch’s subtle plumage details and enhancing the overall texture and tone of the image.
I’m including an AI generated podcast of the above blog post: