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Try a Thistle Bird Feeder for Something Different!
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!
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Use Thistle Bird Feeders Year Round
Although the ultimate reward of feeding thistle arrives in summer months, it’s really best to keep these bird feeders out year-round!
When the vibrant plumage of American Goldfinches fades in winter, you can bet they’ll still flock to thistle bird feeders. And the great thing is, thistle, or nyjer seed will also attract other species like Indigo Buntings, Towhees, Juncos, and Pine Siskins.
This seed resembles tiny grains of rice, and is coveted by finches and others for its high fat and protein content. People like to feed this “easy” seed because it will not germinate, there’s never a worry of weeds sprouting below the feeder.
If you’ve never hosted groups of Goldfinches with their vibrant summer plumage in your yard – then thistle bird feeders are a must! Put one on your Christmas Wish List for Santa…and for the birds of course!
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Crowds at Your Thistle Feeder?
Feeding Goldfinches through winter definitely has it’s advantages. These vibrant, sweet songbirds will grace your yard with amazing beauty and song during warmer months. Folks have nicknamed the American Goldfinch the “wild canary” due to their dazzling, lemon color. Sadly though, they they don’t remain this color all year because of molting, the process that replaces worn and tattered feathers with fresh new ones. Despite their drab winter plumage…they’re the same sweet birds that will flock to a thistle feeder all winter long.One of the best ways to keep goldfinches around is to eliminate their need to compete. Most times, they’ll give up on over-crowded feeders. An easy, and economical way to do this is by adding thistle sacks, small to medium nylon mesh stockings, meant for feeding thistle, or nyjer seed. The entire surface lets birds feast on the seed.
Around your garden…don’t dead-head Marigolds, Zinnias, Coneflowers, or Cosmos, Goldfinches feast on these as well. Nesting material and birdbaths will always help entice most feathered friends to your yard too!
Birding Tips, Information & News