Goldfinches, Hampshire

Chevvyf1 · #1 (**permalink**) 24-09-2010, 10:17 AM

We have a bungalow and outside our bedroom window is an array of Bird Feeders - we enjoy Brekkers in Bed every morning and observe the birds eating theirs too!

THIS morning we had a Mum Goldfinch feeding HER BABY ! How weird is this in September ? We had young in summer and now again ! Is this happening in other Counties too ?

Littlesparrow · #2 (**permalink**) 24-09-2010, 04:40 PM

Too cold and windy up here in Cheshire now for any late broods of small birds, and when I think about it I haven't seen the adult Goldfinches lately so may be they have flown south?
We have enjoyed watching the Wood pigeons bringing up a couple of babies, the runt flew the nest yesterday so we put a bit of extra food down today as they seem to have to feed themselves.

Deb London · #3 (**permalink**) 24-09-2010, 04:51 PM

I've seen a young one here with its parent, though probably not so young as it needs feeding.

bigdave60dog · #4 (**permalink**) 24-09-2010, 05:23 PM

They depend on seeds of the thistle, daisy family and will breed as long as it is warm enough and seeds are available. Within reason of course.
dave

citychick · #5 (**permalink**) 25-09-2010, 07:48 AM

I have had 4 Adults + 2 Juveniles on my Nijer feeder this morning . x.

Chevvyf1 · #6 (**permalink**) 25-09-2010, 08:34 AM

Thanks Littlesparrow; Deb; Dave and Citychick.
Our baby GF was not at a feeder but flapping its wings on a branch and mum going to the feeder and bring back for the baby - we have Nijer seed for them too. Some mornings we have had 8 and 9 GF's feeding such a wonderful sight - but we do not see them in summer (when they are feeding around their fields!) Spring, Autumn, Winter they visit out feeders !

We also have a regular "mock" GF I shall try and post a photo ... it is missing some of the markings ? Has anyone else seen this ?

RobS · #7 (**permalink**) 25-09-2010, 09:32 AM

Interesting you mention this. I live in Southampton and last weekend was pleased so see a flock of 30 finches in which I saw a Linnet (That would be a garden tick for me - taking my suburban total to a brilliant 55!). Something in my mind told me it wasn't quite right and when I got a better view what I thought was the the red either side of the breast (male) was in fact a dull brown and they were juvenile Goldfinches - lots. I guess there has been a second brood?

Rob S