Gorgeous Goldfinches!

The first time I saw a “wild canary”, I thought it was a pet store escapee!

GORGEOUSLY GOLD FINCHES!
By Molly Evans
The first time I saw “wild canaries” at my feeder, I thought those magnificent yellow and black birds were pet store escapees!  American Goldfinches aren’t canaries, but they are “thistle birds”.  They rely on thistle plants for food and nest-building materials. Goldfinches nest when thistle plants seed, providing plenty of food for their young.

GOLDFINCH LORE:• Portland is home to American and Lesser Goldfinches. 
• These birds visit nyjer or black oil sunflower feeders in groups of up to 30.
• Goldfinches use birdbaths readily, and bathe a lot!
• Males are bright yellow in spring and summer, molting to olive green in the fall.  Females are camouflaged olive green all year.
• Goldfinches build their nests in trees or shrubs 4-10 feet high, near a water source.
• Their nests are so tightly woven they can temporarily hold water.

GOLDFINCH LURES
1) Nyjer “Thistle” in a stocking, lexan plastic, or plantation-grown teak feeder.  Hang a feeder filled with nyjer to see if you can entice some goldfinches. 
2.  Water!  Goldfinches are birds that love to bathe!