More Goldfinches

Lensman400 · #1 (**permalink**) 23-09-2009, 06:45 PM

Over the last few years since we started recording numbers for the BTO Garden Bird survey we have experienced rapidly increasing numbers of Goldfinces feeding on sunflower hearts. Are others having the same experiences?

Pippa · #2 (**permalink**) 23-09-2009, 08:11 PM

We have only lived here for around 18 months but there are many Goldies.They are the most common bird we get in our garden and the surrounding fields too.We feed Sunflower Hearts which they love and the fields are full of thistle too.

ron1863 · #3 (**permalink**) 23-09-2009, 08:13 PM

I have only ever had one pair visit the feeders...this Spring but they have never returned

big bill · #4 (**permalink**) 24-09-2009, 08:06 AM

Up until this year never had them then had 1 pair ,followed by about another 2 giving 3 in pairs in all ,disappeared for a short time must have been on the nest but are back now with their juvenile
young

so seems I am luckier than Ron

Bishopswood · #5 (**permalink**) 24-09-2009, 11:13 AM

We always have goldfinches on the feeders in the garden here in South Staffs. Usually no more than about six in the summertime, but twenty plus during the winter/ spring period.
At the moment the feeders are dominated by greenfinches in large numbers, but the bossy goldfinches still push their way in!

jaykay · #6 (**permalink**) 24-09-2009, 11:22 AM

I get the pleasure of around 6 pairs of goldfinches, now also bringing their young, makes for a very busy bird feeder at times. they love tucking into the sunflower hearts and very rarely feed on the niger.

AndrewB · #7 (**permalink**) 24-09-2009, 06:32 PM

I have found that goldfinches tend to spend the longest time at the feeder in one visit. They sometimes stay for nearly 10 minutes at a time pecking at the niger.

Have also noticed they remain totally unfazed whilst a flock of starlings squabble over the fatballs & peanuts!