Goldfinches

This year, I have been very consistent with keeping my bird feeders full. I even expanded by purchasing a thistle feeder in order to attach finches to my yard. Boy, has it worked. Goldfinches, I just learned, tend to stay together in small flocks longer than other species of birds. Because of their food requirements; seeds, which are more prevalent as the growing season progresses, they mate later in the summer. Knowing that they like seeds, I have let my flowers go to seed after blooming. Several years ago I planted Cosmos, an annual, which finches favor. Now, I don't even bother to plant them anymore, because every year the seeds that have fallen uneaten have grown the following season.

I managed to capture the male goldfinch above while getting a drink. Below in the first picture, is the male eating at the thistle feeder. The second picture is the female eating from the feeder I keep filled with sunflower seeds. If you are curious to know what the finch birdsong (as well as many other species of birds) visit the Macaulay Library.