Most birds who visit feeders will swipe their chosen seed and fly off to cache the prize. Goldfinches however, perched at a thistle bird feeder will eat seed after seed continuously. It gives us a wonderful opportunity to watch and view them at length and in great detail. Goldfinch chicks are fed very few, if any at all, insects. instead, they eat the very same their parents eat.

And finches aren’t the only birds you’ll find at a thistle bird feeder. Indigo Buntings, House and Purple Finches, Towhees, Juncos and Pine Siskins also enjoy the tiny black seed also known as nyjer.  It has a  high fat and protein content, which is great for feathered friends, and is a non-germinating seed, which is great for the folks who feed it. And as always, don’t forget a fresh water source for optimal wild bird attraction. Whether a bird bath, fountain, or pond, your feathered friends will thank you for it!