Anyone who notices the birds at this time of year, the best time of year to be a birdwatcher, watches for the American Goldfinch in the neighbourhood to turn bright yellow. They are a dull yellowy green during the winter months, but the males turn a bright yellow for spring. It's so noticeable that this is one of the most obvious signs of spring that we watch for.
Two months ago the few Goldfinch that visited our yard looked like this, rather dull and inconspicuous colours for the winter.
As spring moved closer, a new set of feathers started to grow in for the spring molt that is characteristic of this species. All bird normally molt at least once a year, usually in the fall, but the Goldfinch molts twice, growing a new set of feathers in both spring and fall. Yes, it's a new set of feathers growing in, not merely old feathers changing colour.
Among birds most species don't change colour during their molt; their feathers are just new and brighter. The American Goldfinch is unusual in that it does change colour a lot, though just for the males. Females don't change colour, but they do grow a new set of feathers. This bird seems about halfway on to its new clothes. The tail and wing feather colours don't change.
And now those bright Goldfinch males are a welcome splash of colour as spring arrives.
Today (finally) is a bright sunny and warmish day! Mrs. F.G. has been out in the yard working and after lunch I will get out for a healthy dose of fresh air, even though I can't ride very far. Hope you're getting some of this warm weather too, and get out to enjoy it.
I love to see the change too - you know spring is here when the yellow appears!
ReplyDeleteI also love to see the bright colors of the male goldfinch appear. A sure sign of spring. It's raining here, pretty much all day long, it seems. But it's good for the garden. :-)
ReplyDeleteYes, goldfinch are true harbingers of spring -- matched in color by spring's dandelions.
ReplyDeleteIt's so great to be outdoors and hearing the lovely birds singing their love songs. I had the gold finches around for awhile but they seem to have moved on to the deeper forest now. There are multiple types of wood pecker, phoebes and robins aplenty in the yard!
ReplyDeleteI'm slow but I go with the yard work. A bit of raking, then rest, some weeding, then rest. Don't want to send my fibromyalgia into a tail spin when there is so much outdoor work to be done.
I am still waiting to see just one of them. We have them all summer but they have only migrated to southern Iowa.
ReplyDeleteLove to see the goldfinches. Such pretty little birds.
ReplyDeleteWe had a nice warm sunny day too after the fog burned away.
I have not seen them yet maybe this week! :) Like sunshine with wings!
ReplyDeleteYes, it is important to get outside. Very good for the spirit.
ReplyDeleteAlways so great each Spring to see all the Goldfinches at the feeder. Welcome flashes of bright yellow after a grey drab winter.
ReplyDeleteThere have been a lot of goldfinches up here and chicadees. These are the small birds I enjoy the most. Sometimes they are very brave and I can walk by closely and not bother them if they are at the feeders.
ReplyDeleteHello, pretty captures of the Goldfinches. I am seeing some here too. Take care and have a great day. Wishing you a great new week!
ReplyDeleteWe've had a long stretch of warm so the clouds and rain right now have been welcome. Just wish it would give us more rain when it does happen. It fun to watch your pictures showing how the male Goldfinches gradually change their colour all in hopes of impressing a female. Got to love nature. - Margy
ReplyDeletei have not been seeing mine but i am sure they will return soon. their summer clothing is so much brighter and more beautiful then their winter gear!!
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