This scraggly looking male goldfinch showed up at my feeder this morning in his partially molted winter coat. He looks a bit patchy for now but soon will sport his fine gold coat and black beret for the summer. Hopefully the females will all be impressed with his finery. I know I am!
It was a sunny and mild day today but a chill north-west wind was gusting off and on all day which meant I still wore a long-sleeved shirt, my vest and my gloves when walking down to the bog to count birds. I took these photos before I left for the bog. I’ll post that story tomorrow. For now, I hope you enjoy my birds!
With the arrival of spring the number of species in my yard has increased quite a bit. The winter migrants have yet to leave for their northern breeding grounds but a few of the summer species have arrived, like grackles and blackbirds. These are the species I saw in my yard today:
- Mourning dove
- Red-bellied woodpecker
- Downy woodpecker
- Hairy woodpecker
- Black-capped chickadee
- Tufted titmouse
- White-breasted Nuthatch
- American Robin
- Dark-eyed junco
- Northern Cardinal
- Red-winged Blackbirds
- Common grackles
- House Finches
- American goldfinches
- House Sparrows
- Click on the link for the eBird Migration Forecast March 30-April 6th
Hi Kathie. I've recently posted am image of our (European) Goldfinch so you can compare the two at long last. In any event I still think your version was more aptly named.
ReplyDeleteMy goldfinches are not quite that far along in their molting, but have definitely begun to "brighten" up.
ReplyDeleteHe sure is bright already!!
ReplyDeleteThat Goldfinch is a beauty even though not in full summer dress yet. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks Frank, I'll come take a look!
ReplyDeleteKathryn, they always remind me of flying daffodils!
KaHolly, he sure is!
Gillian, I just love them!
Lovely photos of this great coloured bird!
ReplyDeleteHappy WBW to you!
What a colourful bid Kathie. Striking.
ReplyDeleteOh.My.Gosh. I need one of those feeders. :) That is really getting up close with the birds.
ReplyDeleteYour photos are lovely captures!
There's a dollop of butter on your peanut feeder! Oh, it's American Goldfinch. Charming bird Kathie, and great photos too. They really capture the bird's personality.
ReplyDeleteWow, love the bright yellow! Great photos, Kathie!
ReplyDeleteThat goldfinch is brilliant. Should have no problem attracting a mate.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful goldfinch, it is wonderful to see their summer colors. Great photos, Kathie!
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen ours lately so I don't know if they're changing, but I doubt it. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteLove the Goldfinch---our State bird. We have our finch feeders out . MB
ReplyDeleteLovely little birds.
ReplyDeleteWonderful little birds to see...
ReplyDeleteYep, I'm seeing the same changes Kathie. Great catches!
ReplyDeleteJust brilliant colour captured and they are such sweet birds to have around. Happy Easter season~
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