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Friday, May 2, 2008

The Goldfinch

One of my favorite birds that I see in my yard is the
goldfinch. It's a small bird, smaller than a sparrow
and is known for it's gorgeous yellow color.
The males have a bright yellow color during mating
season and I think they are adorable in their little
black berets!
I always love the photos of the males feeding the
females as they sit on their eggs. Goldfinches have
little white eggs, usually 4-5 in a clutch and they make
beautiful, perfectly round nests. Their song is such a
sweet little melody and call. But the funnest characteristic
of all is that they can hang upside down to eat from a feeder!
You can purchase a goldfinch feeder, which has the feeding holes
under the perches so a bird must hang upside to eat.
This way they can have the feeders to themselves since
the house finches and wrens can't do it. It's really quite fun
to watch. They love to eat thistle seed which is pictured
here in this feeder. Photos from Googleimages.com

20 comments:

  1. Betsy, I would love to see one of these little tweety-birds.

    Do they make it this far, to the great white north, I wonder...

    Just adorable!

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  2. Lavinia ~ Yes, they do make it to the southern half of Canada, so I'm sure they are in Toronto! Maybe thistle seed would attract them? They are sweet, aren't they?

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  3. We had goldfinches at the apartment we lived in when we first got married. I just loved them and kept a feeder out for them. We've never had them at any following residence though, and I wish we did!

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  4. Lora ~ at least you have that nice memory! Little newly wed finches! :)

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  5. My folks had them in their garden in Stratford, just adorable.

    Thank you for this lovely post - I learned something new. That's the pleasure in reading favourite blogs, you just know there is a new discovery in store, be it a yummy recipe or Life of the Goldfinch. :)

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  6. I adore goldfinches! I'll never forget the first time I spotted one on our thistle feeder -- it was so beautiful I was breathless. I called the professor at work to tell him about it. We have them regularly these days and they never cease to delight.

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  7. BPG ~ I feel the same way about your blog! Always an adventure! ;)

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  8. MG ~ It is amazing the first time you see one! It must be the vibrant color. Their sweet little calls are what I like the best.

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  9. I love the bird information! I will have to look for them.

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  10. Marcia ~ Yes, you need a goldfinch feeder outside a window of that beautiful logcabin you are building! How fun!

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  11. Betsy...I love when you feature lovely little birds..we have no Goldfinch birds in our part of the country...during migration I see a variety of birds that stop by for just a moment or two.... but I believe they are headed to your garden Betsy..have a beautiful weekend...Dee Dee

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  12. Deedee ~ I didn't realize goldfinches weren't way down south! I guess you have those vireos and tanagers that I would love to see!

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  13. Betsy, the Goldfinch photos are wonderful.I love these precious birds.

    Your forget-me-not picture on the side bar is lovely:-).

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  14. I wish I could spend more time at my home. I would put up feeders and watch for these beauties.

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  15. Rebecca ~ I love them, too!...goldfinches AND forgetmenots! :)

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  16. Steviewren...that is true! You have to have time at home! And time to keep the feeders full! I've noticed that once you start you have committed to caring for them almost like pets! They depend on you! :)

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  17. Very interesting post, Betsy. They sure are beautiful birds. I received a hummingbird feeder from one of my piano student families. It's the type that you can attached to your window. It even came with concentrate sugar water. Maybe I'll get lucky and see some feeding.

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  18. Hi Bach ~ yes, I'm sure you will get some hummingbirds! They are so fun to watch. A feeder that attaches to the window would be great! You'll get a nice, upclose view! How fun! Thanks for stopping by!

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  19. I was soooooo sorry to see the 88 spin out there at the end! I thought he was actually going to win!! I was glad, however with the 9th place finish for 24...esp. after the Talledega finish! He's getting up to that top 12!

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  20. Rebecca ~ yes, that was exciting! :)

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