GOLDFINCHES

GOLDFINCHES AT FEEDER (Ode photo)

MALE AND FEMALE GOLDFINCHES ARE ALMOST IDENTICAL DURING THE WINTER
(Wisconsin DNR photo)

THE MALE IN FULL BREEDING PLUMAGE (Wisconsin DNR photo)

Thursday, 8:00 AM.  30 degrees F at the ferry dock, 29 on the back porch.  Wind SSW, very strong and gusty. The sky has a high overcast with snow clouds at lower elevation but the sun is trying to shine through. The humidity is 68%. The barometer has started to rise, currently standing at 29.47".
   We had a few snow flurries earlier but none remains on the ground.  The weather is very wintry this morning, and I donned a winter jacket and gloves to walk Buddy.  It may snow later today.

   The third bird species to visit our feeders since I put them up on Sunday has been goldfinches, usually visiting in a flock.  They will settle in and stay at the feeder until they have eaten their fill or something scares them off, unlike the constantly flitting chickadees.  Goldfinches were at the feeders yesterday, but my photo skills were mostly absent, thus the borrowed photos.  Goldfinches are a gregarious bird, 5.5" in length or less.

  The goldfinches molt twice a year, in spring and fall.  The males are characteristically "gold" in their breeding plumage, the females very much subdued and mostly olive colored all seasons.  They are easily recognized by their flight, which is undulating, up and down, and by their canary-like songs, and very thick beaks.  

   Like the chickadees, the goldfinches are a fun bunch to have around.  They are short distance migrators, going where there is food and shelter to be found. They are seen both summer and winter in Bayfield.  

   Goldfinches are almost exclusively seed eaters, mostly those of annual plants.  Their natural habitat is open fields and meadows, where weeds and other annuals grow.  They adapt well to human environs, particularly if feeders are kept full.