House Finch

The house finches have rebuilt their nest in the corner of our side porch again this year, after sucessfully raising two broods there last year.It is a sheltered corner out of the rain and we use the front door in order to give them their privacy. They seem to be calmer this year than last, so likely have learned that we pose no threat, but they still prefer that we do not use that porch while they raise their young. They had to contend with some agressive grackles who tore the nest apart a couple times before the female settled in with eggs about a week ago. Now the male feeds the female during the incubation and will help feed the young after they hatch.He also defends the nest against threats-including other finches-but unfortunately cannot distinquish living birds from his own reflection in the car mirror. I had to cover it to keep the poor guy from thrashing himself against the glass repestedly.