European Goldfinch at Leslie Spit

[Don Baxter]

I have a garden plot at the base of the Leslie Spit, and this morning I saw and heard a European Goldfinch.  I have no idea of it's origin, but it was not a tame bird, nor was it feeding at the many feeders there.

[Trillian Flummox]

I had no idea what a European Goldfinch looked like, so I did a little Googling. Turns out the internet is full of stories about these colourful birds being found in some parts of North America, with various stories about their origins. Most of the stories suggest they are being released into the wild; some sources indicate they are capable of surviving our cold winters; and so far they do not seem to be adversely affecting native species. Apparently there are some cultures who intentionally release captive birds as a spiritual act that will gain them favour in the afterlife. Here's one of the more interesting articles that suggests they are actually becoming established in North America:  http://net-results.blogspot.ca/2009/01/european-goldfinch.html

Would love to see one!

-kris