Seen in my backyard today

[ksmith]

A rose breasted grosbeak, ladies and gentlemen:




(Note: I did not take this photo. Not that talented, and don't possess that quality of camera)

There is a noticeable shortage of goldfinches, however, which somehow needs to be rectified. I've seen them elsewhere, so I know they're here.

Comments

[amyirene-40.livejournal.com]

Thistle seed. Get one of those tube feeders, fill it with thistle, and you will have goldfinches out the wazoo.

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

OK-I used to have those. I was hoping they'd eat at the squirrel-proof feeder that the other birdies ate from.

[alfreda89.livejournal.com]

Goldfinches LOVE thistle seed. And you can get the kind that's treated so it won't sprout -- birds seem just as interested.

[amyirene-40.livejournal.com]

Thistle is pretty much the be-all-and-end-all for goldfinches. They even delay their egg laying until later in the summer when the thistles go to seed.

You can get really lovely squirrel-proof tube feeders (http://www.duncraft.com/Royal-Masterpiece-Feeder-P1203C91.aspx) or you can go for the strictly utilitarian look. (http://www.duncraft.com/Duncrafts-Squirrel-Blocker-Selective--P1074C91.aspx)

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

Oh look--another outdoor stuff catalog. Gee. Thanks.

I actually like this one, which is in between the others pricewise and is attractive. I think the finches would feed from it.

[amyirene-40.livejournal.com]

They might, but they really do prefer the tube type. I guess it reminds them of clinging to a thistle stem. On the other hand, with the platform feeder you will get more cardinals and blue jays (they love platforms).

Goldfinches also like sunflower seeds. We've got one of these feeders (http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=14539&N=2005+112983), and when we run out of thistle seed, the goldfinches will deign to take a seed or two from it. Our current birdfeeder count is 5 - 2 tube, a suet feeder, the one in the previous link, and one of those squirrel-proof ones that clamps shut when something too heavy lands on it. Mom wants a platform feeder next, and has been checking out the various squirrel-proof ones.

BTW, Drs. Foster & Smith have started selling supplies for wild bird feeding. Duncraft has some lovely stuff, but Foster & Smith does too, and they are cheaper. I want this window feeder, (http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=7808&N=2005+112978) just to drive my cats into frustrated fits.

[alfreda89.livejournal.com]

Aren't they stunners? I've only seen a few, in Michigan.

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

I like them a lot, but I think my favorites are the indigo buntings. That all-over brilliant blue is almost too much.

[battle-of-one.livejournal.com]

Aww that's beautiful!!

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

They are lovely.

I love birds.