New Neighbors

We recently decked out our deck (ha!) with lights, ferns, and a gardenia tree.  And a few freshly painted chairs.  And as much as we have loved our new outdoor space, a young family of house finches have loved it even more.  So much that they built a nest, laid some eggs (after mating enthusiastically and frequently on our deck), 

 and have been tending to their young ones with fierce determination ever since.  The daddy has a bright red head, and the mama sings a beautiful song while she's sitting in the nest.

And since the ferns need water, we've had the chance to check in on the little ones.  One has arrived!  

And our poor ferns have been battered and browned by the wind, and sun.  But it's been a delight having these new little neighbors in our backyard!