This beautiful American Goldfinch was a surprise visitor to our backyard this afternoon. I was quite certain these birds had all left the area as I hadn’t seen one in at least three weeks.
Most surprising of all is that this is an adult breeding male. The birds we hosted during the winter all wore their non-breeding plumage. Does the fact that this little guy’s coloring has already changed mean that he’ll be remaining in this area to breed? According to an article from Passport to Texas:
“The American goldfinch breeds across southern Canada and in all but the most southerly portions of the United States and spends the winter months from the northern tier of states to Mexico. Although a common winter resident throughout most of Texas, the goldfinch remains to breed only sparingly in the northeastern corner of the state.”
We’re certainly not in the northeastern part of the state, but with the extreme weather changes we’ve been having over the past several years, perhaps the breeding ground for these birds is creeping westward.
A House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) decided to join our visitor for lunch!
I certainly hope this American Goldfinch hangs around for the summer — and that he finds a mate if he hasn’t already. But even if he decides to move on, he certainly was a welcome sight today!
The Transmutational Garden 
How exciting…our goldfinches hang out all year and do breed here so I count myself lucky! Hope yours hangs out and finds a mate…
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I have my fingers crossed!
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How wonderful to see, beautiful looking bird.
Amanda xx
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He looks a little shabby in places as he still seems to be molting.
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A lovely colourful bird, which looks very different to the ones seen here in the UK. xx
http://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/discoverandlearn/birdguide/name/g/goldfinch/
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Thanks for the link to yours! I love their pretty little red faces. 🙂
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Beautiful birds and such great photographs.
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The yellow is so bright on the goldfinch. They really stand out.
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So cute! I had a couple visiting my yard. They love these Nyjer seeds. 😀
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Yes, they gobble it up fast!
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I filled my tube feeder all the way to the top in January, I believe. And there is still 1/4 left of it. But, they were only here, when it was much cooler. I guess, they find enough food in this area by the lake. Yeah, in Winter, the seeds went much faster. 😀
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We were filling our feeders up at least every other day until the Goldfinches suddenly left us. They were continually at the feeders and there were so many of them!
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Yeah, the amount of birds can make a big difference. I had only a boy and a girl on my feeder. And they enjoyed some millets from the other tube feeder as well. Them and the chickadees. Now, they are both gone.
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Beautiful photos! I don’t get those cuties, but I’m glad to see yours.
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Thanks!
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Great shots – tiny birds are so often hard to capture in images – they move so quickly. I don’t see these Am Goldfinches around my spaces (heck – I don’t even see house finches!) but I’m happy for your surprise visit. Such an adorable little guy!
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The Goldfinches don’t seem to be as “flighty” as some other birds. They’ll remain on the feeders while I putter about outside, only leaving if I get a little too close or if something else scares them.
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How lucky you are to have such a revered guest! I have numerous lesser goldfinches, but I don’t believe I’ve ever seen an American goldfinch. I guess it is possible that I’ve seen some during the winter, with their winter plumage, which looks more similar to the female coloring of the lesser goldfinch, but I’ve certainly not yet spotted a male in his breeding season plumage.
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Seeing this bright yellow male was a first for me! I haven’t seen one in a day or two now.
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