American Goldfinches 2-06-2008

The Goldfinch are still here everywhere.

A lot of them seem to want to pose for me.

Some seem to have more experience than others. I guess they must be the ones that have posed for other forum members.

Here they are on the sock. It is filled with thistle and sunflower chips.

Nice, Can't wait for them to get here. very pretty bird.

This one of them on the thistle feeder.

They were not picky. They ate at all the feeders.

Beautiful pics Frank!

My Goldies will always go for Sunflower Seed (no shell) first if theres room at the feeder, then its off to the nyger.

Some waited for their turn at the feeders

and waited

I still haven't figured out a way to keep the birds calm while I shoot their photos. However, today, while I was on the patio, there were nine American Goldfinches on the northern thistle sock and two more on the southern thistle sock. I hope they are still here when the GBBC weekend rolls around.

Thanks,

Chuck

Have you thought about a blind Chuck?

Dear Pelletory,

What is a blind? I am willing to try it if I can. I know I can't photograph birds through the living room window...

Thanks,

Chuck

It something your hidden in. It could be like and old tent or you could buy a photography blind.

http://www.wildlifewatchingsupplies.co.uk/ (Click on popular products)
Some people build them w/ wood and theres a big enough slot or area for your camera lens to get through so you can photograph the birds.

You have to leave them out for a few days before using them so the birds can get used to them.

Pelle

Beautiful finches. I have two finches feeders with black nyger seed. I usually have to replenish the seeds about every three days. I found that my flock was actually braver than the rest of my birds -- I would go out on the patio and sit - every bird flew away at first, but then the finches were the first to return. They got so involved in eating that they let me get quite close to them.

Dear kaperc,

Thanks for the info...

Dear mrw31,

I noticed that too. The hummingbirds never leave while all the other birds fly off. The American Goldfinches are the first to return which is fine by me.

Thanks again,

Chuck

I have had a hawk bothering mine for several days. They are very timid now, staying under the stairs, dashing up to the feeder, then diving back under the stairs. I am starting to see some male Red Wing blackbirds now. There have been few so far this winter.

Dear kaperc,

I am probably pretty obtuse but I can't find anything about blinds on the link that you sent me. Should I just google photography blinds on the Internet?

Thanks,

Chuck

Hi Chuck, It was me that put the link up.

When you go to that site click on "Popular Products on the left side.

One of the hides is the second pic on the right hand column of pics.

Pelle

They are still here 2-12-2008.

another

Who is king of the sock?

Still king

I get a lot of photos because they are only here a couple of months.

I don't blame you a bit Frank; their a beautiful subject! Lovely pics!

These images will have to last me till next January.

I wish we got them in breeding season.

The branches mounted on the platform feeders really work well.

The purple finches follow the goldfinches.

Beautiful pics Frank..I love the goldies and the purples!

Great pic of the female Purple Finch Frank!

They look so soft and cuddly, they still reminds me of the little chicks, my Mom use to get every spring, for the farm. Very nice Frank.

Frank,

Great shots/pics of the Goldfinches!

Looked at the Cornell map on them. Didn't realize you didn't get them year round like we do. http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/American_Goldfinch.html

Love the Goldfinches! Love their sweet song, cheerfulness and beauty! The juvies are so cute!

Thanks for sharing your pics!

Marilyn

Great goldfinch pictures - particularly liked the "king of the sock" series.

Goldfinches seem to have left my area now. Suddenly the feeders stay full every day.

Mine are still here in abundance! I've only been birding since last summer so I'm not sure how long they stay around. I know I've seen them after they change colors. This will be my first spring of birding and can't wait to see who shows up.

For the Goldfinches, I have two thistle sock feeders. There is a lot of watsted seed on the ground below these. I was wondering if anyone with a mesh feeder has the same experience. I think that I am going to get one if it cuts down on the waste.

Thanks,

Chuck

I have a flock of goldfinches that have been here all winter...3-4 dozen I would say...Very hard to count...I also have all this waste on the ground but looking at it it seems like they actually crack some of them open like the sunflower seeds... Was wondering if they realy do this or if all that black on the ground is actually wasted niger seed?????

Frank, yours are getting color back nicely! Think Spring! Think Spring!Think Spring!Think Spring!Think Spring!Think Spring!Think Spring!Think Spring!Think Spring!

I've had them all year, which was different last year when we had the cold winter.
They are THE messiest eaters, but I forgive them!
Christie