Finally - proof

For years I've reported seeing female purple finches at our bird feeders only to be met with skepticism. A couple of years, when I've reported seeing them during surveys (Christmas Bird Count, for instance), my sightings have not been counted because I could not produce backup photos. Finally, a few days ago, the stars aligned and I was able to photograph our visitors. Passing the photos to my birding gurus, Elder Brother and Bogie, for confirmation, I am ready to post them here for all to ooh and ahh over. (Thank you, Bogie.)

The first photo, below, was taken at full zoom with my little point-and-shoot HP R817 Photosmart camera - through the kitchen bay window. The second photo was taken at no zoom with that camera - through the living room window. For once, the sun was in a position that allowed me to photograph through the window glasses without the birds' being spooked.

Male House Finch (nearest camera) & Two Female Purple Finches

Two Female Purple Finches & a Male Northern Cardinal

The purple finches were at the feeders, again, the next day (Christmas Eve), during which visit I was unable to take more photos. As is usual, they have not been seen since. The purple finches that I see are always females who don't stick around very long. I don't know if the male house finch(es) with which I see them are fellow travelers or local residents that happen to come to feed at the same time.

Comments

[bogie]

I see you took my word for that being a cardinal - LOL

Looking at the maps, you are at the western edge of the winter range for purple finches from Canada - during the non-breeding season https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Purple_Finch/maps-range

Whereas House finches are common all year for your area

[Joared]

Those aren't anything like the finches we get here.

[Cop Car]

Joared--You should see house finches in your area (a male is shown in the top photo), I would think. That said, I don't really specifically recall seeing house finches when I worked in SoCal; but, that was nearly 40 years ago and I didn't keep my lists. It wasn't until I moved back to Kansas in 1990 that I started seeing house finches this far east in the state.

I do recall being surprised on my first day at a temporary duty assignment in Binghamton NY. On the way into my work building, in February, I heard house finches - a bird that I had always known as a western bird. They have such lovely songs.