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it’s a busy time of year for finch feeders
With the fall migration under way for many birds, Goldfinches are one of the few species who will actually stay put… especially if you have finch feeders in your yard. Although their vibrant yellow plumage will soon begin to fade and wither with their second molt of the season, these sweet songbirds are full-time residents in most of North America.Aside from being one of the few who experience two molts in the same season, they are also one of the latest breeders, raising nestlings in late summer through early fall. Because of this, you’ll find finch feeders busy with activity this time of year. Babies are fed thistle (or nyjer seed) almost exclusively.
Because of hot, humid weather, seed tends to spoil rapidly, so it’s best to change and clean feeders frequently. If finch feeders are not being emptied quick enough by the birds, don’t fill them all the way. This three-tube finch feeder’s innovative design distributes seed more evenly, so it’s less likely to spoil.
Just because that yellow plumage disappears, your finches won’t! Continue to fill your finch feeders throughout the year, and offer a fresh water source for these and other birds. Creating a wildlife friendly habitat will keep finches around the whole year.
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thistle feeders seem empty…strange?
While the feeders containing finch mix are absolutely mobbed… thistle feeders appear to have no customers these days. Thistle (or nyjer seed) is kept fresh, as these feeders do not sit too long without changing the seed. Goldfinches have one of the latest nesting seasons, and chicks are fed thistle seed almost exclusively – so it seems strange to me that the thistle feeders are just about void of any birds?There are lots of electric yellow Goldfinches in the yard right now, but they seem to prefer the finch mix, and the birdbaths! While we use a pretty standard thistle feeder, these Wave Thistle Feeders are on the wish list. High quality, hand crafted thistle feeders that are made in the USA. What a groovy design! They’re also made for dispensing black oil sunflower.
Male Goldfinch drinking at birdbath dripper Goldfinches will molt soon, as the fall migration gets underway. It happens to be their second molt of the season… one of very few wild birds with two molting processes in the same year. Olive-drab and browns will soon replace the vibrant yellow plumage, but these birds will stick around if habitat is good. So keep thistle feeders fresh and full to provide goldfinches a steady diet, and keep these sweet songbirds in your yard year-round.
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new bird spotted at the finch bird feeder
Wow… if you think male bluebirds are vibrant blue – check out this little guy! An Indigo Bunting in brilliant cerulean blue was spotted a few days ago at my finch bird feeder. More common in Florida, it’s rare for them to make an appearance in my North Georgia yard. Once, and only once, a Painted Bunting also made a visit to the same finch feeder. Lucky are the folks who see these gorgeous birds on a daily basis!And fast? They almost as quick as hummingbirds, it was difficult to get a good look at him. Possibly the leaf misters were attractive, or he’d seen all the other bird activity going on? For two or three days now, he’s been spotted at the same feeder.
More than just Goldfinches are attracted to a Finch Bird Feeder. This protective feeder sees many Chipping Sparrows in winter, as well as Chickadees, and House Finches. Just because a bird feeder may be labeled for a specific species, it will always attract more than just that bird. Finch mix is a great staple to offer feathered friends throughout the year.
Birding Tips, Information & News
