I spotted yellow again! Except this time it was the brilliant yellow of a male American Goldfinch during mating season {thank you to Susan for correcting me on my spotting of an "Oriole. " Not an Oriole at all but the winter plumage of a goldfinch}. Female Goldfinches keep their duller yellow color all year while males actually molt twice.
American Goldfinches are completely vegetarian, only rarely eating an occasional insect by accident. They frequent backyard feeders and love sunflower seeds (I am wondering if I might have the answer here to one whole side of our sunflower house not sprouting. Hmmm. Never mind, he is too beautiful to stay mad).
They nest later than most birds--in June or July--when milkweeds are in bloom. Evidently the female weaves the nest so tight that it can hold a cup of water! How I would love to find one of these.
Birds nests are all around right now. Have you seen one yet this year?
4 comments:
Beautiful! We have not seen any goldfinches yet this year. I really look forward to it. We too are bird watchers.
I love this bright guy! Another terrific shot, Sachi!
I haven't seen one yet, but always love when I do. They're the Iowa state bird- where I grew up. One of my faves! Thanks for giving me an early "viewing!"
How I would love to attract some of these to our yard--they live around here, just not in our yard yet. Haven't seen a bird's nest yet but I'm on the lookout!
Post a Comment