Yesterday as I walked past the sliding glass door in the sun room I happened to glance at the new finch sock my mother-in-law gave me for Christmas. At first I thought the birds happily eating away were goldfinches, but one moved and I saw a flash of red on its head. Whoa! What is that? I quickly grabbed my super-sharp new binoculars that Rick just bought me for my birthday (oh, did I forget to mention that my birthday was last week?) and took a good look at the bird. Hmmm … red spot on forehead, a little black spot around the beak. Not a bird I recognized.

It didn’t take a lot of research to find my new bird was a Common Redpoll. From The Peterson Field Guide: “A little, streaked, gray-brown “winter” finch with a bright red cap on forehead, a black chin, and a tiny yellow bill; dark streaks on flanks. Male is pink-breasted.” Bingo!

What started out yesterday as two or three birds turned into an entire flock of the little guys today. Silly finches. They always travel that way. I’m sure they are just passing through on their way to somewhere else but it’s nice to see them anyway.

There were plenty of little spats going on. Get off! There’s no room for you!

And this little guy flying by is not sure he wants to join in the melee!

The sock full of thistle will soon be gone but will the little redpolls be gone too?

Great photos! I’ve never heard of a finch sock OR a common redpoll. Looks like this feeder will provide lots of good photographic opportunities! And happy belated birthday!

Thanks, Steve! The “sock” is just a mesh (hey, MADE IN CHINA which it too bad) filled with niger thistle seed. Thankfully it is refillable (because it is now empty) which we will be doing tomorrow after a visit to the local feed store. I would like to keep these cute little bird around! Thanks for the birthday wishes!

Was going to say that if it was full when you put it out, they made fast work of that sock.  The finch mix of seeds that has thistle in it might not be as expensive as just the thistle seed by itself.  They are very cute!  Been meaning to ask about your birthday.  Hope you got my card!

He sure is a handsome bird! Haven’t seen any of those, nor the purple finches sadly, but always have scads of house and yellow ones (altho they don’t have much showy yellow on them this time of year.)

Watching birds at the feeder is the best fun, isn’t it?  Anyway, we think so!

C, I think the reason they are here in the first place is because of the thistle. I have tried that finch mix before and they don’t seem to care for it. The thistle attracts them right away!

Bigsis, I think they are beautiful. I love the whole finch family anyway. We have the house finches and the goldfinches too. Yes, I love to watch the birds. I totally agree!

Ugh! I’ve never ever had any luck with a thistle sock.  I’m jealous!  This is amazing…great shots!

Helene, haha! I’ve never had luck with one before either. I think it just happened that this little flock was passing by, although my goldfinches are now liking it as well. Thanks, glad you liked the shots!