House Finch family

A few weeks ago, Matt and I bought a couple of hanging baskets with red Impatiens for our front porch. Not a day or two after hanging them up, a finch pair showed up and decided that one of the baskets would make the perfect place for a nest. We watched them build their nest over a few days (providing scraps of wool and yarn, which they ignored for the most part), and then chronicled the family for the next couple of weeks.  Below are the photos of the chicks -- it was awesome to see them grow and change so quickly!

Here's dad, keeping a close eye on me

And here's mom, about to carry something to the nest

Four pretty blue eggs

Just hatched! At this point, it was hard to tell which end was what, but they all slept in a little wiggly pile (2 days old)

This little guy opened his eye for a few seconds to look at me, then fell back asleep (5 days old)

Starting to get their feathers (9 days old)

They've all opened their eyes and peep loudly for a snack whenever mom or dad shows up (12 days old)

Getting crowded! (12 days old)

Right after this was taken, they all decided to abandon the nest and jump ship.  They nestled themselves in the dirt right next to the nest and spread out (13 days old)

Starting to look all grown up! (17 days old)

This was the last we saw of the chicks, and they started leaving the next one by one about a day after this photo was taken.  I heard them peeping in the tree shortly after they'd all flown, but since then it's been quiet.  Good luck, little finches! (17 days old)