Feeding Goldfinches

[Mark Tulley]

We only saw goldfinches occasionally in our country garden until this winter when we started using a niger-seed feeder. The goldfinch numbers gradually built up and I counted 11 simultaneously a few weeks ago.
They are eating through a larger feeder every two days, which we fill entirely with niger seeds. They obviously dote on niger, and hardly touch peanuts round the other side of the house.
No sign of nests but I read the thread on goldfinch nests with interest and will be looking for them.
Is it going to be harmful to the birds, offering niger seeds to them in such quantity ? We are reluctant to change the regime in case they disappear.
Mark

[Elizabeth B]

When I first offered niger seed in 2004, it brought goldfinches into the garden within a few days - but it wasn't long before they moved on to sunflower hearts, and the niger was more or less ignored (and still is)!

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by Elizabeth B

When I first offered niger seed in 2004, it brought goldfinches into the garden within a few days - but it wasn't long before they moved on to sunflower hearts, and the niger was more or less ignored (and still is)!

That happened to me too!