Just a very brief entry today as it is Christmas Day and we have a full day ahead of us. Still, it seems there is always time to check out the feeders if only for a few minutes. The most abundant visitor to the feeders this morning was the European starling. Indeed, first introduced into the United States in 1890, this species is now found throughout most of the country and amasses in large flocks during the winter months. At this time of year, the starling is sporting its white spotted dark plumage which will change over to a more iridescent greenish black as the breeding season approaches. The change is not caused by molting, but rather by wear as the white tips of this present plumage easily seen on this photo get worn away.
The second bird of this Christmas Day is the House finch. Obligingly, this individual has perched on a feeder which is a small replica of a house. A quick shot, and now it's off to friends and relatives to a different house for celebrations of the wonderful holiday. Merry Christmas!
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