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Thursday, May 07, 2009

American Goldfinches

American Goldfinches are finally living up to their name. The males are getting their buttery breeding plumage, a welcome change from the drab gray-brown plumage of American Goldfinches in winter.
People often say to us, "you must get tired of looking at common birds" assuming that only rarities hold our interest. Not true! I am thrilled each time I look at these beautiful birds.
FYI, American Goldfinches breed throughout most of the country, but not the approximate southern third of the U.S,. so if you live in that area and are looking for your goldfinches, they left to go to their breeding areas.

3 comments:

MaineBirder said...

We love the Goldfinches that visit our feeders here in Maine. These late season nesters never fail to satisfy.

Nice photo!

Carol from Cemanahuac said...

We are in Maryland and had dozens of goldfinches at our feeders on a continuous basis. House finches, purple finches, sparrows, chickadees, all seemed to co-exist with no problem. Yesterday and today there were suddenly no goldfinches at all. In the several days before this we had begun to have several grackles and a couple of pairs of doves. Could this be the reason? Is there another? What suggestions do you have? I miss them. Who wouldn't?

Carol from Cemanahuac said...

We are in Maryland and had dozens of goldfinches at our feeders on a continuous basis. House finches, purple finches, sparrows, chickadees, all seemed to co-exist with no problem. Yesterday and today there were suddenly no goldfinches at all. In the several days before this we had begun to have several grackles and a couple of pairs of doves. Could this be the reason? Is there another? What suggestions do you have? I miss them. Who wouldn't?