Return of the Goldies

[DuncanE]

Just thought I'd mention that the goldfinches are back in my garden - not sure if they are the same pair but they seem to be aquainting themselves with the nyjer after a 4 month break.

[Hedge Witch]

Wonderful news Duncan

[Nightranger]

Originally Posted by DuncanE

Just thought I'd mention that the goldfinches are back in my garden - not sure if they are the same pair but they seem to be aquainting themselves with the nyjer after a 4 month break.

Could be the same pair going off the timeframe but goldfinches that are present in the summer are often not the same birds seen in the winter. Goldfinches are migratory although they seldom make long flights (UK breeding birds will mostly be in Iberia whereas wintering birds are usually from central Europe). It is possible that UK birds do not move out of the country in a mild winter but they probably still leave the breeding areas.

[Stinkhorn]

i am trying to get some goldfinches with nyger seeds, too

[Pippa]

Great for you Duncan

We just moved back in March and put up our feeding station soon afterwards.We do have lots of thistle seed in the wild as surrounded by Fields so we feed sunflower hearts and have 20+ Goldies come in.They love it.

Nyger doesn't go down well here but i am sure it is because it is in abundance anyway.I think that would apply to all areas so worth checking out what is and isn't available in the wild before feeding.

[DuncanE]

Originally Posted by Pippa

Great for you Duncan

We just moved back in March and put up our feeding station soon afterwards.We do have lots of thistle seed in the wild as surrounded by Fields so we feed sunflower hearts and have 20+ Goldies come in.They love it.

20+ goldies? I'm green with envy. If my location was closer to the fields or the local reserve across the way I'm sure I'd have more. The best I've had on the feeders is 5, a couple and one young and another pair.

your post has also remided me I need a new feeder for my hearts as it died over winter.

Nightranger: I think had the same pair throughout last year from about Feb until September. Its a shame they don't share the information about food here cos more would be welcome!

[Bouncytigger]

FANTASTICAL NEW Duncan

I know how fond you are of those goldies

I havn't seen my ususal 7 OR 8? that used to visit my garden on a regular basis
since before Christmas so maybe they won't be far behind

[jaykay]

I've also noticed in the last week or two that the goldfinches are back in my garden, although they don't seem to like the nyger seed and make straight for the sunflower hearts.

[Nightranger]

Originally Posted by DuncanE

Nightranger: I think had the same pair throughout last year from about Feb until September. Its a shame they don't share the information about food here cos more would be welcome!

That would make sense because goldfinches almost certainly return earlier than many summer breeding birds if the weather is suitable. My mum has seen a similar pattern of movement in her garden to that reported on this thread and subtly different behaviour around the feeders suggests these are different birds.

Incidentally, I have heard plenty of reports of goldfinches preferring mixed seed but it is not always clear what they are taking. Logic would suggest the smaller seeds like millet but some people say they have seen goldfinches taking sunflower hearts.

[DuncanE]

Originally Posted by Bouncytigger

FANTASTICAL NEW Duncan

I know how fond you are of those goldies

I havn't seen my ususal 7 OR 8? that used to visit my garden on a regular basis
since before Christmas so maybe they won't be far behind

Yes I am fond of them, out of the few regulars they are definitly the most colourful... And a welcome splash of colour in my seamingly lifeless garden at the moment.

I'm sure your are on the way there seems to be hundreds my way. I'm not that far south or you so maybe these are on there way to you.... Better stock up on food!