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Crowded Thistle Feeders?
With tons of Goldfinches out and about now, thistle feeders are likely to be a very busy spot in your yard. Because Goldfinches are one of the latest breeding/nesting birds, many juveniles are now crowding thistle feeders and learning to eat on their own. One of the favorite songbirds who will winter-over if thistle (or nyjer) is offered on a consistent basis, Goldfinches will grace your garden all year. A heated birdbath is also another major attraction for these sweet birds to stick around.With one of their two upcoming seasonal molts, vibrant yellow plumage will soon give way to a more olive-drab one. But as spring once again approaches, the electric yellow feathers will be seen through late summer and early fall.
The use of Thistle Socks or Thistle bags will help to alleviate crowds at your regular thistle feeders, and ensure that all babies get to eat. Fairly inexpensive and available from small to large, these mesh stockings provide an “all-over” eating area for finches and other birds who prefer thistle seed.
Cardinals are also molting right now, and although they might look a bit sickly…rest assured it’s just the process of shedding old worn feathers for vibrant new ones.
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Got Finches? Try This Large Nyjer Feeder
If you’re lucky enough to have lots of finches in your backyard, you may be forever filling the nyjer feeder. And now that many young chicks are visiting these feeders too, the the nyjer (or thistle) seed may be going even faster than in the beginning of summer..To the rescue: a Large Capacity Nyjer Feeder with quality construction to last for many seasons of use and enjoyment. This Deluxe Triple Tube Feeder actually holds seven pounds of thistle seed..and that’s a lot of thistle!
Goldfinches and others will frequent a birdbath if offered. This kind of fresh water source is known to entice and attract more feathered friends than any feeders or houses alone.
Remember when their bright plumage fades, Goldfinches will still be around, so be sure to keep nyjer feeders up and filled with fresh seed throughout the year.
…Happy Birding!
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Why Are Finch Feeders So Popular This Time of Year?
The Wild Canary, aptly nicknamed for their vibrant summer plumage are out and about in droves this time of year. With electric yellow feathers, they’re pretty hard to miss.One of North America’s favorite songbirds, the American Goldfinches’ nesting season is now winding down, and tons of babies and adults populate the yards of those who have finch feeders. Preferring nyjer, (or thistle seed) it is fed to babies almost exclusively.
With their gentle nature and very sweet character, Goldfinches are not the kind to fight at crowded finch feeders. They will usually just give up and fly away. There’s an easy and effective way to accommodate more birds without having to buy costly feeders. Thistle Socks, or bags are the perfect way to offer more feeding space to these sweet birds.
The mesh bags usually have a draw cord for closure and hanging. They’re refillable and birds really love them! Generally in white nylon mesh, there are variations like holiday-themed finch feeders, and the newer ones are available in black, which offers a striking contrast with goldfinches color.
Remember to leave finch feeders out year-round, as these birds will overwinter locally. Their plumage fades a bit to a dull, olive-drab color in winter, but you can bet on that fabulous, bold yellow hue come warmer months!
Birding Tips, Information & News
