[Birdtalk] Goldfinch experiences

[Linda Butler]

Steve and all,
We've had quite a few American Goldfinch es recently at our thistle feeders. Our neighbor across the street has about 20 feeders and loads of  birds! A couple years ago , in the spring, he had me and my kids come to his backyard. There were fledgling Goldfinches on the branches of his pine tree. Each of us held some thistle in our hands and the little birds hopped right on board for a snack. They were very tame and calm. We enjoyed them for about a half hour, then placed them back on the tree.
The next day I brought a friend over, hoping to repeat the experience with her, but by now these little ones had grown "older and wiser" and were just as shy of us as their parents are. I was glad my daughters and I were able to enjoy this "window of trust."
Linda



We're aware of the different attributes that the Carduelins exhibit.  American and Lesser Goldfinches are extremely wary of various movements and will flush at the slightest provocation.  Pine Siskins, on the other hand, are very tame.  I only have 8-10 right now but in years past I've had up to 30 in my Holladay yard.  One year, a half-dozen even stayed all through the summer and raised some broods.  During that year, on at least 2 occasions when the nyjer feeders got low, I went to fill them and a Siskin stayed right on the perch while I lifted the feeder off its hook and set it down and opened the lid.  Only then did it fly.  As soon as the filled feeder was hung back up it came right back and fed while I filled the other feeder a foot away from it.  You'll never see goldfinches do that.--Steve Carr
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