The bird that was seen at the feeder has not returned ....at least not while
I've been watching. But, I'll continue to make sure the feeder is full and
see if I can bring it back. (Paul Cozens-I'll let you know)
Dennis asked if I could elaborate........I'll try.....
I couldn't say that the bird was noticeably smaller than a house finch. My
impression was that it was about the same size. It was feeding a little
differently than the regulars do. This feeder is hanging out over the side
of the deck. It's wood, with glass on each side so the seed can be seen.
There is a small ledge on each side where the seed drops down and where a
bird (or two if they cooperate) can sit and feed. This bird looked like it
wasn't used to perching up on the side of a feeder. It kept trying to turn
around and face out, thereby scrunching it"s tail up against the glass. I
assume this was a precaution against predators.
The tail was darker than a house finch. It was the whiteness of the head and
the bright red cap that was most attention grabbing. Legs were pinkish. The
bird was definetly shy. I got my binocs and crouched behind the sofa to look
at it. It saw the binocs peering over the back of the couch, stared for a
few seconds and took off. My friend saw it take off and said that the flight
pattern was very undulating.
Gosh, I hope it returns so I can verify my original impressions.