Tuesday, January 18, 2011

American Gold Finch of the Vermilon River. A Post to World Bird Wednesday.




The State bird of Iowa, New Jersey, and Washington, this amazing little fellow goes from his canary like summer plumage to a much duller appearance  in the non-breeding winter period. He can be found at feeders or in the forest, winter and summer. And for Boom and I that's important because we like all the wildlife to remain here in our forest.

Here's a few facts about these guys:
1) The male feeds the female while she warms the eggs.
2) She builds the nest, although he does help with the obtaining of material.
3) The birds moult in the spring and the male takes on his vivid look; in the fall they moult and he becomes similar in appearance to the female.

For further information see: http://www.hww.ca/hww2.asp?id=24

A post to World Bird Wednesday @ http://pineriverreview.blogspot.com/
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28 comments:

  1. theconstantwalkerJanuary 18, 2011 at 1:18 PM

    Thanks for all the information and lovely images of a beautiful little bird Gary.

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  2. SondraJanuary 18, 2011 at 3:31 PM

    You captured this bird beautifully--we have The A. Goldfinch at our feeders in fall and winter but they fly up to the mountains for nesting--always miss them when they go--

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  3. BeckyJanuary 18, 2011 at 5:25 PM

    Even in the dead of winter these little cuties still capture my heart.
    B.

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  4. Hilke BrederJanuary 18, 2011 at 5:26 PM

    Nice shots, Gary. I am always happy to see a goldfinch at my feeder among the house finches and juncos.

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  5. DarJanuary 18, 2011 at 6:54 PM

    The Goldfinch are a wonderful, cheery little songbird, that we adore on our feeders year round. In spring, the ground is even yellow with their brightness. A favorite of mine.
    BlessYourHearts, YouAndBoomer What a handsome fella

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  6. Sallie (FullTime-Life)January 18, 2011 at 7:50 PM

    I love these little guys! They used to come to our feeder (when we lived in Oregon) and I've seen them in Port Aransas TX during the April migration. Thanks for the pictures and the good information.,

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  7. holdingmomentsJanuary 18, 2011 at 8:54 PM

    Great captures Gary. Love the facts you found about them.

    So very different from our Goldfinches here.

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  8. Bob BushellJanuary 19, 2011 at 12:53 AM

    A nice little fellow.

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  9. Small City ScenesJanuary 19, 2011 at 4:30 AM

    I am glad you knew that the goldfinch is the state bird of my state Washington---we share. One of my favorites too. Excellent shots. MB

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  10. UnknownJanuary 19, 2011 at 4:46 AM

    In winter or summer they are beuaties, Andrew.

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  11. UnknownJanuary 19, 2011 at 4:48 AM

    Hi Dixxe. They stay all year here, and we're lucky.

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  12. UnknownJanuary 19, 2011 at 4:49 AM

    Hi B&G. I think they're popular everywhere.

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  13. UnknownJanuary 19, 2011 at 4:50 AM

    Hi Hilke. They brighten up the winter scene.

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  14. UnknownJanuary 19, 2011 at 4:51 AM

    Hi Dar. They sure are cheery.

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  15. UnknownJanuary 19, 2011 at 4:52 AM

    Hi Sallie. And I bet you miss them when they're gone.

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  16. UnknownJanuary 19, 2011 at 4:53 AM

    Hi Keith. Thanks for the visit.

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  17. UnknownJanuary 19, 2011 at 4:53 AM

    Hi Bob. They're great.

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  18. UnknownJanuary 19, 2011 at 4:54 AM

    To SCS. Just proves that Washington has good taste.

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  19. Empty NesterJanuary 19, 2011 at 6:49 AM

    Such a pretty bird. And wonderful photos!

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  20. UnknownJanuary 19, 2011 at 6:53 AM

    Thanks EmptyNester, and they are pretty.

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  21. SpringmanJanuary 19, 2011 at 10:04 AM

    So Gary, What is the Provincial bird of Ontario?
    Your Nikon has been blazing recently and you are getting great shots. Must be nice to get some sun. Throw Boom the extra bone! ;-)WBW

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  22. UnknownJanuary 19, 2011 at 10:16 AM

    The Loon is the provincial bird. Do I win anything?? Maybe another lens. Thanks for the visit.

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  23. mickJanuary 19, 2011 at 11:11 AM

    Beautiful little Gold Finch. I saw one some years ago in Washington State. Did not realize then the wide range they have.

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  24. UnknownJanuary 19, 2011 at 12:05 PM

    Hi Mick. They're fairly common, which is good.

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  25. jeanlivingsimpleJanuary 19, 2011 at 6:03 PM

    I enjoyed these friendly finches today at my feeders. Great captures and info!

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  26. AnonymousJanuary 20, 2011 at 7:46 AM

    I love the goldfinches. They're beautiful in summer, but I think they look especially cute in their winter plumage. Nice series of photos and info!

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  27. UnknownJanuary 20, 2011 at 10:27 AM

    Hi Jean. Glad you enjoyed the post.

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  28. UnknownJanuary 20, 2011 at 10:30 AM

    Hi Pat. Thanks for the visit and glad you enjoyed the post.

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