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/

28 comments:

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

    ReplyDelete
  2. 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--

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  5. 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

    ReplyDelete
  6. 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.,

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

    So very different from our Goldfinches here.

    ReplyDelete
  8. 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

    ReplyDelete
  9. In winter or summer they are beuaties, Andrew.

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hi Hilke. They brighten up the winter scene.

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

    ReplyDelete
  14. To SCS. Just proves that Washington has good taste.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Such a pretty bird. And wonderful photos!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thanks EmptyNester, and they are pretty.

    ReplyDelete
  17. 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

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

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  22. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hi Jean. Glad you enjoyed the post.

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

    ReplyDelete