Cats and Trails and Garden Tales
Musings on cats, travel, gardens and life
American Goldfinch
I rarely see a Goldfinch in my yard; I guess the accommodations and food supply are not to their liking. So, I was happy to see our state bird recently in Westport on our way to Long Beach. Happier still that this handsome male posed for me.
~ Susanne
Cats and Trails and Garden Tales 
They are cute. We have a lot of those and also house finches.
You’re lucky. I have a lot of house finches, they nest in our shrubs and come to the birdbaths. The goldfinches only drop by rarely.
He’s a beauty, Susanne! I was thrilled last summer when they started visiting our backyard in droves. They love the feeders filled with tasty finch food and the birdbaths. Plus no cats…no offense 😉
I’ve learned how to distinguish between the colorful breeding male (like yours), the breeding female and the plain male (a little lighter). Enjoy them!
I was so happy to see him! We have families of house finches living in our yard, but only rarely get a goldfinch! The breeding male is indeed the most handsome!
I think my yard is too full of evergreens for them, and none of the open spaces they like. I could maybe entice them with seed, but yes, the cats might be waiting, so I don’t. Mostly, I let nature feed the birds in my yard.
until a couple years ago there were goldfinches around my back yard. The last two years I haven’t seen them. It’s a residential neighborhood, not one that has changed drastically. No idea why they are rare now.
Interesting. I wonder why. I get a lot of house finches in my yard, but have only rarely seen goldfinches. I have a lot of evergreens, and not many of the plants they prefer.
You managed to get some great photos of that attractive bird. We sometimes get various finches in our fron hedges, but they never stay still long enough for photos.
Best wishes, Pete.
Thanks, Pete. I rarely get a goldfinch in my yard, so I was happy to see this one close up.
He’s gorgeous, very striking! And quite different to our British goldfinches.
I was happy to see him! The breeding male is the most striking!
we have not had as many this year. We seem to have been discovered by catbirds. A very eerie sound from them.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a catbird. Interesting name!
Very nice shots of that little birdie !
Thank you! I was happy to get them. 😊