We are officially at the 4 week mark since the ankle surgery. That means it is has been 4 weeks since I have put any weight on it. I have noted that is quite an accomplishment for me. Unfortunately, I have ANOTHER two weeks of this insanity before I can start the physical therapy phase and finally get start introducing weight bearing (in between the screams from the PT). I have been doing my best to keep myself busy. A huge chunk of time has been devoted to working on my backlog (did I just hear cheers, someone definitely cheered), trying my best to catch up on my post reading and all the work in the haunt lab – I’ve linked the latest short video at the end if you are interested). YouTube is now my friend – there isn’t stupid Cat video I haven’t watched! In all this, there are always posts I can work on, so let’s get to it!
Battling my inner Venom:
“Do it!”
“But I don’t want to do it”
“Yes you do, do it now”
“Umm, really don’t wanna”
“You shall do it and like it”
“But it pains me”
“You are already in pain, what’s the difference!?!”
“Hmm, that is a valid point, but I’d rather do something else…anything else”
“Do you really want to stare at that series in the queue anymore?”
“Sigh, but I’ll say you twisted my ankle”
Here you go, today’s featured ugh, feathered ugh, friend double ugh Finch – make it stop.
As a general rule, I take at least one picture of every bird I see when out in the field. The amount of additional shots I take of a specimen is based on a complex internal mental algorithm which would probably rival any current AI engine. Is the lighting halfway reasonable, did I get a good enough shot to officially claim the check, is there a good story to share on the blog, what is likelihood of seeing it again, are there new behaviors to document, where does it rank on my “cool birds” list, is it on my “crap bird” list (I’m talking about you Asshats link here) and is it out of region all come into play. The logic engine turns, the lights dim and depending on the results zero or more pulses will be triggered to the shutter finger. This processing is repeated, of course, on subsequent shots.
Every once in a while I surprise myself in the digital darkroom and ask myself – “what the hell Bri, did the algorithm glitch?” Hit the jump if you want to see more of apparently one of those surprise results from the field.
Every time I parse the queue looking for something exciting to bring my readers, I pass over this House Finch series. Scroll, eh, too soon, scroll, maybe later, scroll, possible – but what’s the story angle, is that an everyday Finch – hell no, scroll, scroll and eventually find something worthy of your time. I’ve been cooped in this house so long my brain must be turning to mush as I decided to finally get it out of the queue. What did the mental algorithm assess that was worthy of all these shots, not a real interesting bird as they are practically everywhere, was it doing something interesting, really just sitting there, is it on my cool birds list – certainly not, nor is it really in the hate column (they know who they are).
Do not have a good answer for you beyond I happen to like their settings. The red berries and tones in a number of these shots nicely compliment the red hues in the male Finch.
Long time readers may have noticed I do like a delicate bird sitting on barbed wire or specimens found in less pristine places like dumps or water treatment facilities. This next shot clearly fits that bill as you can see the perch selection, but harder to tell is this was also taken at a sewage treatment facility in Benson, AZ.
Not sure if I like double the amount of gash producing fencing with a blood splattered bird atop or rather a closer shot of a red drenched bird with less abrasive fencing. Any thoughts? – note, “Don’t care, it’s a damn House Finch” is a perfectly acceptable response.
A slight fib earlier as these shots are not actually a single series, however, they were all taken on our trip to Arizona back in January 2024. The first several were from the CT RV Resort in Benson, where others are from Saguaro National Park, Desert Museum and Sweetwater Wetlands all in the Tucson area .. plus the previously mentioned Benson STP. To come back with this many shots of a local seed guzzling feeder bird is rather shocking. Granted, I can’t just walk outside and take a picture of a House Finch sitting on top of a giant cactus.
I do know that if it wasn’t for that additional prickly element, I certainly would not have taken a picture of a female House Finch ha!
In all honesty, every bird outside of that small list of despised feather bearers deserves its moment in the spotlight. The last time I featured the House Finch here it Intrigued was back in 2018 from a trip out to Colorado (link here). 7 year hiatus.. yeah, that feels about right. We will see how it is goes in 2032 and maybe we’ll bring you another helping of these abundant Passeriformes. Until then, I’ll leave you with probably my favorite shot from the House Finch collection.
Sharp pointy things, check, eye glint, check, swashed in color, check, technically executed, eh, will do, with an added dash of palace intrigue as I had to do a bit of research on this specimen as I kept flipping back and forth between a Purple Finch and the House due to pale streaking on the breast. No peaking on the top feathers, the reddish hue is closer to the House and they are pretty scarce in the Arizona region as a general rule. Would have liked to have had a shot from the side to seal the deal – need to fix that shot selection algorithm LISP code to include that decision point for additional identification angles for future outings.
Now that the inner Venom has been subdued for the moment, thought I’d link to the latest video out of our Haunt Department. This was a short one that focused on the demonstration of a Spirit animation prop we bought last year and just now getting to it. There is a much bigger one on the way that covers one of the signature props from last year’s Haunted Trail – stay tuned for that. As you can see, I’m trying my best to keep my mind off this recovery hell I’m currently in
Take care everyone!
Wildlife Intrigued 
I hope you get well soon. You’re probably thinking, “How can those little ones perch on that prickly cactus?” They’re thinking, “How does that big one get around on one ankle?” 🦜🌵📸🌟
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Thank you for the well wishes! You made me laugh (the best recovery medicine) with your viewpoint comparison. I am sure I am the laugh of the birding world while passing by with my little knee scooter/crutches hahaha. Take care and appreciate you coming by.
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Very beautiful photos! ❤️ I hope that you are back on your two feet very soon.
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Thank you for the words of encouragement John, seems like this will never be over, but looking back and realizing I already over 4 weeks into the worst part of the recover provides some relief. Mainly have to get better so I can get back out in the field so I can continue to bring everyone interesting posts! Take care, try to stay cool out there as we know what that can be like as the temps rocket over the 100 degree threshold.
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You are welcome, and thanks! My AC runs great. 🥶
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Great Photography work! Respect.
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Thank you Ben, appreciate the kind words. I have been enjoying your wonderful work as well! Take care and appreciate you stopping by and joining the conversation.
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Hahahaha! “You twisted my ankle!” That will make you Finch! Only two more weeks. You are down to watching cat videos on YouTube. Scraping the bottom of the boredom barrel. Lovely House Finch.
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Ohhhh, you got me, I didn’t even think of the f[l]inch angle – that was a good chuckle (needed that!). Linda keeps making fun of me when she comes into my room and sees what ridiculous stuff on YouTube I am watching – bad tattoos, you are a conservative if you laugh, Walmart sightings, funny pets, Beato, Tom McDonald videos, concerts galore (just watched Billy Idol’s latest – Stevens is looking awful), Professor of Rock, Charismatic Voice, Mike Rowe, Victor Davis Hanson, drumming, birding, trail racing…the list goes on. Anything to distract me from that minute hand. Better than going crazy on Amazon I guess. Oh, speaking of which we did just pick up my second shipment of Home Depot props!
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YouTubyDoo! Have you seen the Fairy Voice Mother? I really like her. Her reaction to The Warning is great: https://youtu.be/m6Ao3HBuDnA. HD and Lowes are getting into full Holloween sing out here.
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I had not heard of FVM – will definitely add her to my “to watch” list. I had not see that little Warning video – been keeping an eye on them for some time as they’ve matured and finally blasted out of Mexico. I see the lead singer is not a natural blonde ha. They have really improved their stage presence over the years and watching their drummer improve has been funny – she pounds on those skins, but they were pretty basic fills early on. HD online was opened a couple of weeks ago, but they have nothing in our local store yet. I did hear Lowes was starting to put their stuff out so a drive over there is warranted. Spirit is close to opening up here as well which is a staple for the haunt community. Starting to feel the orange and black…now to get this damn anchor off!
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I’ve been following FVM for a couple of years, and like you, The Warning for quite a while. I saw their Enter Sandman video several years ago after Metallica reposted it. The girls became the world’s darlings after that. I find FVM much more informative and entertaining than the Charismatic Voice.
Orange and black are creeping their way into the stores, trying to creep people out. Lowe’s had a silly ghost band and a 12-foot monster the other day. A couple of little kids were dancing like crazy to the ghost band. I wanted to get a video, but thought better of it.
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The Charsimatic Voice has become a bit annoying – seems to have coincided with here pregnancy and then childbirth. She has also been all over the board with her review genres so haven’t been keeping up with here lately. Like what I see from FVM so far, thanks for the link. Have you checked out this guy yet https://www.youtube.com/@wingsofpegasus He has been uncovering a lot of track musicians by comparing their various concerts for similarities – really quite eye opening at how easy it is to tell the fakers.
Our local Home Depot is still behind, but we now have our Spirit stores opened. Lowes and Menards have their stuff out as well – have not been to Lowes yet, but Menards was pretty weak beyond a very tall antlered demon that looked pretty good. One of those pick up on clearance after Halloween items. My Home Depot purchases are now in. Working on getting those put together and tested. Already had to fix the gargoyle as on of the main lights was out. Shocking the amount of store bought props I have to tear into and fix these days.
Good idea on not filming the kids – can get yourself into a lot of discussions you don’t want.
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I watch Wings of Pegasus. Interesting guy. I end up having to repair, reinforce, and improvise parts that are missing on things I buy and have to assemble a lot more than I should. I wonder what people who are not very handy or creative do.
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Not sure when quality took a backseat, but it is really annoying. Time pressures are already sky high just getting the new props and trail together – I certainly do not need the time drain having to fix something I spent money on. Fortunately over the years we have gotten pretty good at it and we can fabricate just about anything these days with the 3D printer and various materials. I have a general wonder how people without the knack for fixing things get by these days – house maintenance, RV maintenance, car maintenance (although admittedly, not much I can do under the hood anymore – bring back the old engines please), etc. Really grown to appreciate how much my father taught me over the years. I guess today’s generation has to call “the guy” when things go wrong.
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You have to find the guy with the know how. Not easy these days.
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Tru-dat…and if you don’t know anything about the project you can be easily fleeced.
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Absolutely.
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Great pics and hoping that your ankle continues to rapidly improve.
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Thank you for the words of encouragement. Been a long road (this all started last October), but finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Enjoying your Butterfly and Mantis shots – oh, and stretch the turtle made me laugh! Appreciate you dropping in Tom and take care.
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Hello Brian,
“Inner Venom” – I couldn’t help laughing out loud. Yes he is known here too☺️
I am very glad you shared the photos of the House Finch because we don’t have them in Japan so it’s always exciting to see new birds (from our perspective).
Almost there, and hope the final weeks of rest go smoothly!
Greetings to Linda, Brad and Jan too.
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Hello from Jan and I.
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Thank you, Brad and Jan☺️ I always enjoy learning new things from your adventures and beautiful images.
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Welcome Takami! Venom apparently has a broader reach than I thought ha. I have to admit that I too often forget about the “regionality” of our birds compared to our international readers. That is a great reason to feature some of our more common birds as they could still be intriguing for those that are not State side. These Finches definitely have nice splash of color, but you are probably in the best position to admire them from afar – they multiply quickly and would ravage any of the feeders you might have around – probably push out some of your other birds as well. Will definitely keep you in mind when we are out in the field and might hesitate to give to our more common feathered friends (will update my internal algorithm to include an international flavor!). Thank you for your words of encouragement. This has been a bit of a struggle, but knowing I am almost through this worst part of recovering combined with everyone’s best wishes is really lifting my spirits. Take care and thank you so much for stopping by. Oh, Linda, Brad and Jan all say hi!
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Thank you Brian, for your thoughtful and kind reply. I hope you inner Venom continues to add the ‘international flavor’ to your algorithm every now and then☺️
I appreciate the additional information (and perspective) regarding House Finches. It really can get complicated, and our human emotions probably add to it. It’s something my birder friends and I like to talk about.
Please continue to hang in there, you have friends in Japan who support your recovery and my husband & I send our warm regards to all 4 of you too☺️
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Ha, definitely added the international flavor into my field algorithm going forward! Complete agreement, the whole ecosystem between humans and birds is quite complex. I have always tried not to pick winners and losers beyond my 5 or so really disliked birds. Every day I am witness to what happens when we try to interject ourselves into their cycles – the swarms of Starlings thanks to Shakespeare, the invasive House Sparrow due to a failed Caterpillar control effort in 1851 and the more recent ongoing battle regarding the slaughter of Barred Owls due to their impact on Saw Whets. I am sure you discuss similar more regional topics with your friends (hope they stay your friends after discussions like that ha).
Thank you so much for the positive recovery support from across the pond. It is tough for me to succumb to injury, harder yet to make it through the recovery process. Your wishes are greatly appreciated.
Take care, see hello to your husband and best wishes for continued successes with your own wonderful wildlife photography work!
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Here is me thinking ‘House Finch’ aren’t they rather common Stateside? Hmmm think B’s losing it, photographing ‘common’ birds. Wait a mo I photograph Cabbage Whites!
Lovely set of shots Mr B. People overlook the beauty in things they see every day. I would be very happy if that species resided over here.
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I hear you B.! My only saving grace is if you factor in the “number” of shots taken versus all the other opportunities out there. At least now I won’t have to look at that series when cruising through the queue for new post material ha. Between you and Takami I had completely forgot about these Finches being local in since they are abundant State side but not internationally. I should probably post more on birds that fit that criteria….but I’ll have to sneak those shots because I’d lose my local cred if anyone saw me taking pictures of them hehehe. Take care B. and thanks for dropping in.
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Your narrative had me chuckling, Brian, and all the house finch photos were terrific. I especially liked the prickly cactus photos. I had a really bad ankle break in 2020 and I concur it is really tough to not use it for 6 wks but you’re over half-way there now, hang in there. I enjoyed the video, seeing you and your cast and scooter and that wild creature Dagger Mike. Fun post.
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Glad I was able to give your day an extra laugh Jet. Sounds like you have went through this hell before, glad to know someone was able to survive it ha. Thanks for taking the time to watch the video. I am willing to use the scooter in the house, but when in public I revert to the crutches just to keep whatever manhood I still have – I was hoping people would be too interested in Mike to notice the scooter hahahaha. The good thing is, making these videos is keeping me distracted from the clock/calendar. Appreciate the drop in Jet – really enjoyed your recent “local” posts!
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I have a few house finches in my area that shares the feeders with numerous sparrows that are here too. I don’t live near a wooded area, just a neighborhood with some trees. The flash of red is always pleasant to see.
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I usually don’t see the words “few” and “in my area” when it comes to these Finches. You must be one of those lucky ones where the resident Finches haven’t advertised their source of food to their thousands of relatives ha. Our Finches do not like to really share much, so any Sparrow that wanders by usually gets and ear full. Fortunately, they are colorful…at least the males. Thanks for coming by Jerry, appreciate it.
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All really nice photos Brian; the algorithm did a good job. Congrats on tackling even the tiniest bit of your backlog. I’m pretty sure you still have years to go in your queue. Even though you were seated in the haunt video, it looked like you were putting just a bit of weight on the left ankle for balance. Hoping for a speedy rest of the recovery period.
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Thanks Brad. I am trying my best to crank out one or two directories a day so it may not look like a big dent on the backlog calendar, but definitely purging gigs and gigs of bad shots…and filling up the processed queue with many more post opportunities. I can see where the video may look like there was some cheating on the doctors orders there, but what you couldn’t see was the pocket full of quarter rolls on the opposite side that was acting as a counter-lever to the cast which eliminated all said weight on the inflicted ankle. You can thank Frank Lloyd Wright for that life saving idea. Under two weeks now, as long as Linda keeps up the stern looks I just might able to make it to the end of the first phase of recover. Guessing rehab is going to be some serious pain, but will deal with that when we get there! Thanks for your continued check-ins.
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Very welcome. Just trying to pad my review for this year.
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I commend the approach ha!
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Smart man, smart man.
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Some would say that is “Exceeds Expectations!”
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…but then I need to find a staff member that gets the 4???
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How about Legal?
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Those bastards are already doing good to get 5s.
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Lovely photosof the finches. They used to come to dine on our back porch when I lived in Virginia. Thank you for the memories.
Great video!
Physical therapy can be a torture and a bore. Hope you are better soon!
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You are welcome for the memories. Curious, I just went and checked their regions – how odd that they don’t come down into Florida (beyond a bit into the Panhandle). I knew there was the odd split in the Midwest, but figured they were pretty regular everywhere else – learned something new. Appreciate you taking the time to watch the video – this is all new to me, so learning a lot each time I put another tutorial or walkthrough out (like a fire hose ha). Not looking forward to the PT days, but knowing I am no longer confined to the house will be a big relief. Appreciate you coming by and take care!
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Lovely shots!
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Thank you Sharon, glad you enjoyed the series. As much as I hesitated to select that topic for the post, finding out the number of people that ended up liking the shots confirms it was the right choice. Appreciate you coming by and joining the conversation.
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The finch positioned himself in good positions. Feel better.
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Thanks Sharon, that Finch was definitely working the camera for me. Now at 6 days before getting out of the air cast (in my 5th week) – seems like a year already ha. Appreciate you coming by and take care!
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We all love it when they play along. Some birds on my trip to NJ seemed to love the attention.
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There are definitely “hams” in the birding world ha…and of course those “not going to see me if I have anything to do about it” species that drive me up a wall! Take care and thanks for dropping in Sharon.
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Thank you Sharon! Almost to the end of the no weight phase and spirits starting to pick up – finally get out of the house!
Appreciate you coming by.
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I love your House Finch series – and I never would have expected them on the cactus! I say Relax the subject-selection criteria just a wee bit, ordinary everyday birds are intriguing, too. For example, I have a series of House Finches I took in February on dormant crape myrtle, and their colors are nowhere as rich as these that you found. Good to learn about the possible variations!
And Mike is a hoot!
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I will see what I can do to tweak the algorithm – sometimes new bone, old dog syndrome can cause issues with muscle memory (as in shutter finger ha). I did notice these seemed to be a bit brighter than the ones we have here, at least the males, so not sure if this is a regional difference, seasonal or diet difference etc. I do like the shots with the berries in them which may be the answer to my quandary. I think Mike is going to scare a few people on the trail this year – I was absolutely shocked at how fast his pop was and the spring on the back of its head to bring that up as he rises was a nice touch. Will probably need to harden him up a bit (seal gearing from elements, spray protectant on clothes …. along with adding blood on daggers etc.) to handle the challenges of the trail. Have a new video I am just about done editing on the making of our 9 foot haunted tree. Unlike the pumpkin one, I am trying to keep the videos shorter from now on. Take care Sam and thanks again for taking an interest in our latest offerings.
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First things first. Heal. Behave. (Those two are related and are likely in reverse order.)
Terrific photographs!
I use a similar algorithmic approach to photographing birds. It has been refined over many, many, many decades of dedicated avian research.
“See bird. Take picture.”
Feel free to adopt this approach into your own personal style. I hauled that big lens out into the swamp for a reason, so will happily click away (even at, gasp!, a Mockingbird) and sort stuff out at processing HQ.
And, as your post has just demonstrated, there are some of your billions of fans who have not seen a Finch. You, all by yourself, filled that void in their lives of quiet desperation. Kudos!
Now, despite the temptation of boredom and a raging fever and excrutiating pain, resist that urge to see felines on that u-tube thingy. No good will come from it.
Cheers, Y’all!
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Ummm, heal I get, what does this strange word “behave” mean? Maybe you meant beehive in which case I will definitely stay away from that ha. I have to say, you have nicely optimized my overly complex algorithm to a very succinct two step process worth of recognition. I didn’t think of the effort per use equation, but a picture of a Mock hmmmm, that better be one fine looking one hehehe. I definitely admitted I completely underestimated the Finch fans – those both international and those that somehow haven’t gotten enough of them stateside. Next step is to get their addresses and put some shipping labels on the ones terrorizing my feeder every day – see a problem, solve a problem I say (having working in the Post Office while in college, I have ways of making this happen).
You will be happy to know I have come to the end of the Internet with kitty cams….then I found squirrel obstacle course racing – I may need medical attention. The good news is I am almost through the no weight phase. 6 more days and I’m released to a walking boot and can hopefully escape back into the real world (when Linda isn’t looking). I cannot wait. Meanwhile, how are things on the healing front with the two of you? Fingers crossed all is well or at least improving – continued best wishes.
Appreciate you dropping in Wally and especially for giving me some badly needed humor.
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Linda will, no doubt, be happy to provide her definition of “behave” for you. You may not even have to ask.
Thank you for asking, we are both well. So well, in fact, that the boss wants to do it all again, apparently. She is scheduled for knee replacement next week. Once that one is healed, the other one will be done. Good times.
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The “honor and obey” clause in our marriage (thanks to her traditional pastor’s insistence – recorded and put in a vault for safe keeping) seems to have swapped roles as of late. Our best wishes in Gini’s upcoming (may have already happened by now) knee surgery. I find the second procedure more stressful as you already know exactly what you are in for. Take the best care you can, we selfishly need the two of you out in the field!
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Such a beautiful bird series!
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Thank you Amy! Every once in a while the local residents get their chance to shine. Appreciate you coming by and joining the conversation!
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