American Goldfinches
The American Goldfinches crowding my thistle feeders are transforming themselves into their colorful breeding plumage right before my eyes. I’d say they’re about 96% there. The fact that this process is due to feather wear makes it sound rather depressing. I’d like to think they’re changing color with a little more pizazz than that.
I took these pictures through the back windows yesterday so they’re not very clear. It was also pretty windy!
Male American Goldfinch
Perhaps even more surprising than the breeding plumage was hearing Goldfinches singing today at the Portage. I thought I’ve heard them sing in May, so I think this is early.
Now it’s back to the pictures I took today at the Portage and McGinnis: I’ll post some soon. 🙂
Goldfinches are one of my favorites, I love watching them eat seeds off of a purple coneflower or sunflower.
I agree. They blend in perfectly with the sunflowers and provide a beautiful contrast to the coneflowers.