Anticipation

 

It’s that time of year in which I anticipate the arrival of Pine Siskins and American Goldfinches. The goldfinches arrive in their more drab plumage to be sure.  However, as time progresses, one can watch the molting to their more impressive brighter colors.

It is for precisely the opposite reason I enjoy the siskins.  There is only a hint of any color on the wings of siskins.  Such a lack of color often leads to many dismissals of these bird as just more sparrows.  Look closely and it makes considerable difference.

We must get the thistle/Nyjer feeders out, cleaned and full of seed, of course.

American Goldfinches and Pine Siskins

 American Goldfinches accompanied by Pine Sikins are now visiting my new Finch Flocker Thistle/Nyjer Feeder. It is also a grand event when these birds find the feeders in our neck of the woods. To me, even in winter plumage, the American Goldfinch is a stunning and beautiful bird. When you see one, you will see many.


Impressive is the diversity among finches. The family, Fringillidae, contain fairly large species, such as the grosbeaks while also being represented by such small species as the Lesser Goldfinch.

Worldwide the finches hardly ever show seasonal variation in plumage. The one exception is the male American Goldfinch. I suppose this makes these birds all the more remarkable.


American Goldfinches are easily identified with their distinctive darker wings and clearly marked wing bars, white rump, along with white outer tail feathers visible in flight. Of course, note the yellow always found on the bird but more vivid and bright in breeding season.