Category: Goldfinch

Bright Day In The Garden

Bright sunshine, with warm temperatures, and brilliant colors in the garden. In posting this image, I have to explain. Though I am truly dedicated to planting natives in my garden, there are a small number of choices that are based entirely on sentimentality. As is this one. My Mom’s favorite flower, the Iris.

Oh the Goldfinch (Spinus tristis), having a grand time, enjoying seeds that I’ve put out. There are times when I can’t count the number of the little ones that are out there adding color to the world.

And to add the perfect accent, the crimson of the male Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis). What a lovely, bright day in the garden.

A Transformation

In trying to come up with words to describe the intermediate stage of an American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) transforming from winter to summer garb, I immediately think of “patchwork quilt” but that is not quite right. After all quilts are beautiful pieces of art. This intermediate stage is an unfinished work, still in progress.

The first image is that transformative time, that intermediate stage, changing to a different outfit. Going from winter to summer garb. Goldfinches molt two times during the year, once in late winter and again in late summer. This photo, above, is of a male Goldfinch in his winter outfit. Trying to blend in as best he can.

And of course this is the outfit we all know to be the male Goldfinch in his summer suit. All set to knock our socks off with that smashing color.

Trumpet Honeysuckle

Ice covered berries of NATIVE honeysuckle. Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens).

The scarlet berries bring Quail, Purple Finches, Goldfinches, Hermit Thrushes, American Robins, and surely more birds, to the vines which are native to the southeastern United States.

Spring Azure butterflies and Snowberry Clearwing moths use the Trumpet Honeysuckle as their host plant.

And if you’re guessing that Hummingbirds are attracted to the blooms you are certainly correct.

I’m fascinated by the leaves immediately below blooms which are not only opposite but also fused into an oblong shape that creates a cup that can catch raindrops, making silvery pebbles of water. I’m going to experiment with propagating Trumpet Honeysuckle come spring, either by layering and/or by cuttings. Wish me luck!