Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Sure Signs of Spring!

The weather has turned decidedly warmer now and creatures are venturing out to see what spring has to offer. This pair of deer were ambling leisurely through the yard - the photos were taken through a screen - so they're a little bit fuzzy.
Best of all is that the Goldfinches have returned!! I am always thrilled to see their beautiful golden wings flitting around the feeders. Sort of the same way I feel when the Hummingbirds come home to feed in March. Goldfinches are so glorious - and they make me smile! Spring is full of these small gifts from Nature.

The following Goldfinch information is from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology - if you are a bird lover and don't know about the site yet - you owe it to yourself to check it out ! I love the feature that identifies the particular bird's song!
  • Size & Shape

    A small finch with a short, conical bill and a small, head, long wings, and short, notched tail.
  • Color Pattern

    Adult males in spring and early summer are bright yellow with black forehead, black wings with white markings, and white patches both above and beneath the tail. Adult females are duller yellow beneath, olive above. Winter birds are drab, unstreaked brown, with blackish wings and two pale wingbars.
  • Behavior

    These are active and acrobatic little finches that cling to weeds and seed socks, and sometimes mill about in large numbers at feeders or on the ground beneath them. Goldfinches fly with a bouncy, undulating pattern and often call in flight, drawing attention to themselves.
  • Habitat

    The goldfinch’s main natural habitats are weedy fields and floodplains, where plants such as thistles and asters are common. They’re also found in cultivated areas, roadsides, orchards, and backyards. American Goldfinches can be found at feeders any time of year, but most abundantly during winter.
American Goldfinch Range Map
View dynamic map of eBird sightings

4 comments:

Laura said...

Love the goldfinch picture!

And the deer remind me of all of the deer that used to walk right up to my kitchen window and peer down in at me. Those tame Island deer!

Speaking of signs of spring... If you think of it, could you take some fawn lily pictures? I miss them!

Stacy Hurt said...

yes yes very nice... where's the kitty? ole 'whatsherface?' LOL.

Teena in Toronto said...

I hope the deer stay safe.

Happy blogoversary :)

Jeannie said...

The Goldfinch hang out here all winter and are a bright spot in a drab enviroment. Now that they are getting their mating colors, it is like have flying flowers. The Cedar Wax Wings were here last week, a sure sign of spring (as were the 83 degree temps yesterday!) Have a great week and give the kitties a hug for me.

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