[Birdtalk] Backyard Birdwatching - SLC - LESSER GOLDFINCH

[Jeff Bilsky]

Thanks to all for offering insight on the Lesser Goldfinch. It is always
nice to see so many people weigh in with information and perspectives. I
could've done some additional research myself but then I would've deprived
all the curious onlookers the chance to learn from the people who have been
birding in Utah much longer than me.

Thanks and Good Birding.

Jeff

On Sun, Dec 21, 2008 at 7:58 AM, Mark Stackhouse <westwings at sisna.com>wrote:

> According to the Christmas Bird Count (CBC) website, we first recorded
> Lesser Goldfinch in 1992, but I'm pretty sure that they were seen for
> several years before that (perhaps the powers that be at CBC didn't accept
> the sightings as accurate before that - we had to provide documentation for
> them in early years). Ironically, given the these newer guides erroneously
> list it as a "summer only" species, all of or initial sightings were at some
> feeders in the upper Avenues during the winter. It wasn't until several
> years after the initial CBC sightings that I discovered Lesser Goldfinches
> in City Creek Canyon, just across the hill from the Avenues, during the
> summer, that constituted the first non-winter SL County record for them.
> They since have spread throughout the valley, and are found commonly all
> year. I had them all year at my Sugar House feeders since at least 1995.
>
> Also, for years I had a male House Finch with an all white head coming to
> my feeders, perhaps not too far from yours, Jeff. Maybe you have one of
> his descendents? He was a striking bird, and I took many (pre-digital age)
> photos of him.
>
> Mark
>
> Mark Stackhouse
> from Mexico:
> 01-323-285-1243 (San Blas, Nayarit)
> 001-801-518-5618 (cellular - U.S. and Mexico)
> from  U.S.
> 011-52-323-285-1243 or
> 1-801-518-5618
>
>
>
>
> On Dec 19, 2008, at 2:53 PM, Jeff Bilsky wrote:
>
> At my feeders in Sugarhouse currently I have a very unusual looking female
> type housefinch with an all white head. I took a couple photos - I'll
> forward on later. Also, have a LESSER GOLDFINCH hanging out. Someone who
> knows something about their habits please comment on how unusual this would
> be for this time of year in Salt Lake City. Sibley says summer. Thank you.
>
> --
> Jeff Bilsky
> Salt Lake City
> jbilsky at gmail.com
>
>
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>
>


-- 
Jeff Bilsky
Salt Lake City
jbilsky at gmail.com
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