Wow, they're gorgeous. We have blackbirds, boring songbirds, shit hawks, pigeons and crows the size of pterodactyls ... they sound like Stuka Dive Bombers ( here for reference: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMZrW0p2INY )
I've even seen hawks and the occasional carrion bird, but nothing like this.
It's a male and female House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus). They typically nest in cracks, crevices, and holes in buildings, thus the escapade with them inside the office I would think.
They evolved in the drier areas of the US southwest and Mexico. Back in the early 1900's people used to catch them and sell them as cage birds. Many people called them "Mexican Finches". They sing loudly though. And they sing a lot. And, it's not exactly the nicest song. So people would often turn them loose. Now they are all over North America. They first one showed up on Vancouver Island in the 1950's. You won't see them much outside of cities and towns. They are nice little birds. They love eating dandelion seeds.
I would reccomend not slingshotting any woodpeckers. They are all protected under federal and provincial laws, and harming one could result in a 50,000 fine, and possibly jail time. As to what one could do, I would say that a solution really depends upon the reason why the woodpeckers are going after the house. It could be one of three reasons. 1) Feeding. If it's feeding, then be happy the woodpeckers are removing ants or termites from the walls of your house. They are saving you money on an extirminator, or a rebuild after the bugs turn your ome to sawdust. 2) Excavating a nest hole. If this is the situation, put up an appropriately sized nest box nearby. Fill it about half full with wood chips. Even better, put up a half dozen of them. 3) Druuming. This happens mainly in early spring, and generally doesn't cause any real damage, although it could drive a person nuts. Essentially, they are using whatever they are banging on, as an amplifier, so a nearby female will hear how strong and virile they are, and come check them out. They like gutters and chimney flashing the best. About all you can do on this one is take sedatives or leave town until they find a mate. I think leaving town and taking sedatives sounds pretty good regardless.
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Wow, they're gorgeous. We have blackbirds, boring songbirds, shit hawks, pigeons and crows the size of pterodactyls ... they sound like Stuka Dive Bombers ( here for reference: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMZrW0p2INY )
I've even seen hawks and the occasional carrion bird, but nothing like this.
oooh pretty birdy...guy what are they?
It's a male and female House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus). They typically nest in cracks, crevices, and holes in buildings, thus the escapade with them inside the office I would think.
They evolved in the drier areas of the US southwest and Mexico. Back in the early 1900's people used to catch them and sell them as cage birds. Many people called them "Mexican Finches". They sing loudly though. And they sing a lot. And, it's not exactly the nicest song. So people would often turn them loose. Now they are all over North America. They first one showed up on Vancouver Island in the 1950's. You won't see them much outside of cities and towns. They are nice little birds. They love eating dandelion seeds.
Look at him sitting there all pretty and posing for you!
I KNOW! He sings for me too!
They're so pretty! And I bet they don't even eat your building like the god damned woodpeckers that have been demolishing my house over the years.
I guess theres nothing to do about that short from sling shotting them is there....? Guy....??
I would reccomend not slingshotting any woodpeckers. They are all protected under federal and provincial laws, and harming one could result in a 50,000 fine, and possibly jail time.
As to what one could do, I would say that a solution really depends upon the reason why the woodpeckers are going after the house. It could be one of three reasons.
1) Feeding.
If it's feeding, then be happy the woodpeckers are removing ants or termites from the walls of your house. They are saving you money on an extirminator, or a rebuild after the bugs turn your ome to sawdust.
2) Excavating a nest hole. If this is the situation, put up an appropriately sized nest box nearby. Fill it about half full with wood chips. Even better, put up a half dozen of them.
3) Druuming. This happens mainly in early spring, and generally doesn't cause any real damage, although it could drive a person nuts. Essentially, they are using whatever they are banging on, as an amplifier, so a nearby female will hear how strong and virile they are, and come check them out. They like gutters and chimney flashing the best. About all you can do on this one is take sedatives or leave town until they find a mate.
I think leaving town and taking sedatives sounds pretty good regardless.
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