Hello, Goldfinch!

This week, American goldfinches have begun feasting on our withering coneflowers. Each one is like a tiny celebration, a bright spot in lethargic midsummer. Goldfinches are found in northwest Arkansas year around, but I always notice them this time of year when their plumage is brilliant yellow. Goldfinches molt twice and year and because of that, they don’t always look as bright as they do now. And as is common in the bird kingdom, the males have the brightest plumage—it helps in attracting a mate.

With mad acrobatic skills, they are entertaining birds to watch, perching on dried stems, sometimes upside down, and then flitting into tree branches, still visible even waaaaaay up high.Continue Reading