18 
BIRD LIFE IN WASHINGTON 
Like many Washington birds, the pur¬ 
ple finches are only partially migratory. 
They are scarce in winter and, unless we 
watch closely we may see them but seldom 
then. 
While not entirely silent during the 
cold months, their song is seldom heard 
CALIFORNIA PURPLE FINCH 
until early spring. So when their rich 
loud trill comes to us from the orchard, 
we greet them as new comers. 
It is almost impossible to translate 
Purple Finches song into words but the 
ear, once accustomed to it, seldom forgets 
