Rosy-Finch End-of-Season Newsletter
Thank You for Another Amazing Season!
YOU helped us put rosy-finches on the map for our third project season!
This winter we received over 700 Feeder Counts! Each pink dot on the map above represents a Feeder Count that was submitted by community scientists on the Rosy-Finch Project. With these data, we have documented rosy-finch movements, survival, and their winter range.
It is not too late to submit your feeder count data from this winter season!
April Rosy-Finch Reward Winner:
Lori Nixon of Silverton, Colorado
Lori's husband, Wes Berg, is a professional wildlife photographer and captured these beautiful Brown-capped Rosy-Finches arguing over space at their home bird feeder at 9,318 feet in elevation.
"As a relative newcomer to birding, I started keeping tabs on the birds coming to my backyard just a few years ago."
Lori typically sees a few rosy-finches in December; and then the larger flocks arrive in March and April. With the relentless snowstorms this winter, the rosy-finches were more frequent. Now in early May, "I was enchanted to run into a small group of them in their alpine breeding grounds as I was skiing by at 12,700 feet. It was fun to think that they might have stopped by my feeders for a snack this winter!"
Thank you for your dedication to rosy-finches and your participation on this project, Lori!
Therese and The Rosy Finches
of Half Moon Road
"I have lived at the base of Mount Massive, Lake County, Leadville, CO for 29 years. My house sits at 9,600ft on the Upper Arkansas River Valley.
Years ago, I never noticed any birds in the winter..."
Flock of rosy-finches. Photo shared by Therese Rocamora
"During a blizzard 10 or 12 years ago, I went outside at 2am because I couldn't sleep with the noise of the storm.
To my astonishment, I saw a flock of small birds hiding from the storm in the lee of my barn. They were just letting the snow drift over them to stay warm.
The next morning, there was a small group of stressed birds that I had never seen before. I fed and watered them, and they have been here every winter, ever since.
I had never heard of them before that winter years ago.
The flock is 200 strong these days. Over the years, I feel that my flock of finches spans some generations. I think they know me. They show up when I call them every afternoon, and they sing their hearts out.
Me and my Rosy Finches."
Photo shared by Therese Rocamora
Photo shared by Therese Rocamora
Thank you, Therese for sharing your beautiful story with us!
We are continually inspired by the connections that are made through these incredible and elusive birds. Your passion and enthusiasm help drive the work that we do, and we're so grateful for everyone who has taken the time this season to show up for rosy-finches.
Do You Have a Rosy-Finch Story to Share?
We are now accepting Rosy-Finch photo, video, and written stories. These may be submitted through the Google Form below, or emailed to us at rosyfinchstudy@gmail.com.
Thank you!
Research Room
Curious to dive deep into the genes behind the different color patterns in rosy-finch species in North America? Researchers at University of Colorado, Denver Museum of Nature and Science, University of Alaska, and Colorado State University discuss rosy-finch genetics in relation to elevation and more!
Thank You
This work would not be possible without your support and dedication to rosy-finches. We appreciate your participation in the 2022-2023 season. Thank you!
Though the season has come to a close, you can always reach out with bird identification and other questions on the Rosy-Finch Project Facebook Page!