We are getting a minor in "Finch" this Spring. It's really fun to watch and interesting as well!
But, not everything in nature is as rosy as a Disney film. After much expectation, it looks as if only 2 of the five eggs will hatch. Apparently, it is common for some of the eggs to go unfertilized (now I'm curious how that happens, but I think I'll let you Google that on your own...). When that happens, eventually the mama will throw them out. We'll see.
Since the kids could not agree on bird names, I've decided to call them Jay and Daisy in honor of The Great Gatsby.* Jay and Daisy are one week old today.
Here is the latest photo. They are really growing, and they are slightly more attractive. A few more feathers really help! They are sleeping whenever I check on them, but I'll continue to try to get a picture of them with there big eyes open.
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| Jay and Daisy taking a nap. |
Here are a few House Finch factoids for you:
From www.allaboutbirds.org
"House Finches eat almost exclusively plant materials, including seeds, buds and fruits. Wild foods include wild mustard seeds, knotweed, thistle, mulberry, poison oak, cactus, and many other species. In orchards, House Finches eat cherries, apricots, peaches, pears, plums, strawberries, blackberries, and figs. At feeders they eat black oil sunflower over the larger, striped sunflower seeds, millet, and milo."
From www.birdweb.org/birdweb/bird/house_finch (This one really shows how team parenting is important!)
The female incubates 4 to 5 eggs for 13 to 14 days while the male brings her food. The female broods the young for the first few days after they hatch, and the male continues to bring food. The female then joins the male in bringing food to the young. The young leave the nest after 12 to 15 days and may be fed by the male for about two more weeks, while the female starts a second clutch. Pairs may raise three or more broods each season.
If you or your children want to hear the finch songs and calls, check out this link:
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/House_Finch/sounds
Last, if you haven't seen the video I took of Jay just after he hatched "singing", make sure to check it out here. It seems as if not everyone was able to view it on my blog. Best with sound. Enjoy!
* You really need to see The Great Gatsby, if you haven't yet. If for no other reason, because it has Leo in it. ;-)
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