Goldfinch

[nanila]

[Goldfinch sitting on a nyger/thistle seed feeder.]

Inspired by the success of the toroid fat ball feeder, we bought another feeder, for nyger seed, to try to tempt the redwings and goldfinches from the field over the canal into our garden. There were no takers for several days. Just as we were starting to despair, we spotted a flock of goldfinches descending on it! This is the best shot we've gotten so far, but I'm hopeful we'll be able to capture them in action over the coming weeks (and the nuthatch we spotted, too).

Comments

[shirebound]

These are such clear, gorgeous shots.

[nanila]

Thank you! I'm getting better with the new lens. For instance, have worked out that shooting in high-speed continuous mode allows easier capture of in-flight shots (duh!).

[redsixwing]

Oh, pretty bird! The map tells me goldfinches winter here, but I hardly ever see them when it's cold.

I love nuthatches. Their upside-down antics are one of the best parts of winter.

[nanila]

It is pretty! Less obviously golden than its North American counterpart, but still an attractive bird. :)

Nuthatches are great. I love how they're like miniature versions of woodpeckers, but with clownish, goofy charm.

[spiralsheep]

\o/

[nanila]

I may have done a little dance of joy when I saw them.

[untonuggan]

pretty! how did I not know goldfinches had red on them? or is that only European ones?

[transposable_element]

Yup, it's only the European ones. North American goldfinches look completely different.

[nanila]

American goldfinches are much more golden all over than the European ones. The same goes for jays, which are mostly bright blue in North America and mostly brown with a bit of blue in Britain.

I remember vividly the first time I saw a robin in the UK and thought, "But...it's tiny! Why so small, British robin?" :P

[turlough]

Goldfinches are so pretty! I haven't seen one in years though. Where I lived before I saw them pretty regularly in the winter feeding from burdock and other big plants.

[nanila]

You know, I've never actually watched them feeding from anything other than this feeder. I'm impressed that they can work the seeds out of those spiky balls that burdock produces!

[el1ie]

Lovely shot with such details, I send you luck in grabbing one of the nuthatch!

[nanila]

Thank you! I didn't see it today. I saw the goldfinches again, and a chaffinch. Also, a grey squirrel (grrr). I had words with the cat about the latter and threatened to fire him, but I don't think he took me seriously.

[lavendertook]

Pretty!

[nanila]

\o/ I hanker to nab a shot of one in flight, when you can see more of the colour on their wings. Will keep trying!

[calissa]

I'm not sure I've ever seen a goldfinch before. So pretty!

[nanila]

They're lovely. I'm so happy to have them in the garden!

[lark_ascends]

Beautiful!

[nanila]

Yes! They're a pleasure to watch.