Influx of Goldfinchs

[big bill]

I dont know if I am imagining this but there seems to be a larger amount of Goldfinchs about this year up this end of the country,I dont know if any other members from the North of Scotland are finding the same .
Normally I have about 3-4 visiting the feeders but there seems to be in excess of 8+ at times

[valleyforge]

Not seen any increase in numbers here as yet Bill, just the usual couple.

Maybe you're seeing the return of this year's offspring now that they've moulted into adult plumage ... the recent hard frosts we've had may have induced them to return to the territory in which they were raised to take advantage of your hospitality?

[shutterbox]

Funny you should mention that Bill we have never had Goldfinches in our garden but this year we have had two pairs visit frequently, hope the keep coming,

[big bill]

Originally Posted by valleyforge

Not seen any increase in numbers here as yet Bill, just the usual couple.

Maybe you're seeing the return of this year's offspring now that they've moulted into adult plumage ... the recent hard frosts we've had may have induced them to return to the territory in which they were raised to take advantage of your hospitality?

Cheers foir that need to stop being so good to our feathered friends and put them on a diet was wondering as there seems to be a lot about maybe some truth in what you say as the fledglings and juveniles hung about for ages so maybe like you said because of weather conditions they have come back

[shenk1]

We seem to get more every year and now get 30+ in the garden. One thing I have noticed is that they are the bossiest birds in the garden chasing off all-comers on the feeders (its not like we don't have enough up) !They sometimes even have a go at suet blocks if they can't get in at the feeders and then spend 5 minutes wiping their beaks when they realise they don't like the taste. Beautiful little birds....