[EBB Sightings] Purple Finch

Dear Birders:

Color alone doesn't appear to offer a reliable field difference between the House and Purple Finch, but recently I've had the chance to view a Purple Finch close at hand.  A male Purple Finch now visits my sunflower chip feeder daily, pausing long enough on the eave to warble its sweet song which is easily distinguished.  With this particular Purple Finch the color resembles a wash spread over the head, chest, and upper back and at least with this male, the color is indeed a more purple-red.

I am regularly seeing several White-throated Swifts swirling and "shrieking" around and among the high walls of Lawrence Hall of Science.  I'd like to think that they have found a suitable nesting site in the stuccoed 'cliffs.'  They'd be welcome neighbors.

-Phila Rogers