American goldfinches

Margaret · **on:** December 28, 2006, 07:53:04 PM

New to me: 3 American goldfinches on my feeder daily since Christmas Day. Usually I do not see these birds thro' Fall and Winter. Generally they arrive about mid April but in 2006 I saw them early - March 29, then they left after a few days and did not return til April 18. It will be interesting to see what happens in 2007 with our odd weather.

Margaret · **Reply #1 on:** December 28, 2006, 07:56:00 PM

I'm in Brampton!

Halton Hills · **Reply #2 on:** December 31, 2006, 02:57:50 AM

.

They stay here throughout the year.......no matter how cold or how much snow.

The key is to keep your feeder filled all the time. They will wander, though they generally stay where the food is constant.

If your feeder is empty for any length of time, they will go find an alternate, and stay there until it runs out.

I've had a group continually for several years........sometimes over 60 (sixty) at a time.

I have 3 tube feeders (24 perches) going all year filled with niger (thistle) which they can empty in a day.

It's a beautiful sight and very uplifting when the males start showing tuffs of yellow in the late winter/early spring.

.

cabz · **Reply #3 on:** December 31, 2006, 08:51:50 AM

I am in Cheltenham, north of Brampton and keep my feeder going with Nyger all year round. I have Goldfinches all the time. The usage drops off in the summer, but some do still come and this winter the usage has not been that heavy, but still the Goldfinches are here. I hope to get Pine Siskins and some other finches.

Happy New Year and Good Birding in 2007

Dr. John · **Reply #4 on:** January 02, 2007, 11:44:35 AM

We also have goldfinches coming to our nyjer seed feeder throughout the winter. House finches are also regulars and last year we got one occasional pine siskin. We're in downtown Toronto, near Gerrard and Broadview.

-John