Ok everyone, I need your bird expertise! :) I have been going through my photos from Friday and a photo that I originally thought was a House Finch looks more like a Purple Finch upon closer inspection. I have provided the photo for review on my blog:
http://deidam.wordpress.com/2010/08/16/house-or-purple-finch/ I have never seen a Purple Finch before, so I want to make sure I identified the bird correctly. If a Purple Finch, it would be the 92nd bird I've photographed in Dutchess County, which is why I am excited for the possibility of it being a Purple Finch. Here is my reasoning: - The tail is clearly notched and appears somewhat short, which is characteristic of a Purple Finch. - The brown streaky flanks that would be on a House Finch appear to be absent, providing more proof that it could be a Purple. - The biggest thing keeping me from saying 100% that it's a Purple is the lack of red on the head and back. Sibley's shows extensive red. Is it possible that it is juvenile or am I over analyzing my subject?
