Simply For The Birds

Goldfinches eat seed almost exclusively.  Even the Goldfinch chicks are fed partially digested seed by their parents.  Nyjer seed is highly sought after by finches because of the high fat and protein content.  Keep in mind when refilling your tube bird feeders to alternate adding the seed from the top then the bottom.  If your tube feeder can only be filled from one end, empty the old seed into a container.  Add some fresh seed into it and then refill the feeder with the old and new combination.  This will prevent the feeder from becoming packed down and retaining moisture.

Did you know?

• The American Goldfinch molts twice a year-once in the spring and again just in time for breeding season.
• Goldfinches are one of the latest birds to breed-typically waiting until late June or early July.
• You can encourage Goldfinches to nest in your yard by providing nest material
• Don’t cut off the tops to your Marigolds, Zinnias, Cosmos or Coneflowers-Goldfinches love them