AMERICAN GOLDFINCH | The Late Breeder

[@chickadee-dee-dee9031]

Saturday just became better with a LesleytheBirdNerd upload

[@stevehorn646]

It was great already but now it's complete

[@stevenrowell156]

Off to buy some thistle seed.

[@chickadee-dee-dee9031]

@@stevehorn646 yes it sure is

[@stevehorn646]

@@chickadee-dee-dee9031 her voice is my happy place lol

[@chickadee-dee-dee9031]

@@stevehorn646 I totally agree it’s just so soothing to listen to

[@carolking8156]

A gorgeous male goldfinch visited my feeder this afternoon.

[@AlainSTO]

I live in New Jersey. I can say that the goldfinches have definitely turned a bright yellow now

[@ratherbwithhorses]

I saw my first yellow yesterday.

[@ThaGlittersAintGold]

Send some down south please. We miss them!

[@sheriszajna-mckeon9902]

They have in eastern Pennsylvania too!

[@SFBenjaminK]

i like other one 2, they alot bigger , they all red with blk face abit , they sooo pretty, we dont that one in California

[@Zincink]

I see them every year because I leave the sunflower heads up so they can eat the seeds. I just saw two bright yellow guys today and yesterday in central jersey.

[@KathyInTheKitchen]

We call them flying highlighters! Love seeing these guys show up in the spring.

[@todddavis4274]

Flying highlighters! HA! That's it.

[@jimmorrison4163]

Now THIS is content! You tube is best like this.

[@harvwalton3282]

We put out a “puff ball” of nesting material each summer. Some days when the female leaves the puff ball, we’re amazed that she can fly with so much material in her beak. The male generally stands watch close by while she gathers nesting material but some days, she does it all on her own. They really are lovely birds! I really enjoy your content! Keep up the awesome work!

[@1986Unlimited]

They are adorable and that's great to hear. What kind of nesting material do you leave out?

[@harvwalton3282]

@@1986Unlimited it appears to be what was pictured in the video (cotton batting) or strips of yarn. They seem to like both.

[@RachelLovejoy]

I live in southern Maine, and have lots of "volunteer" sunflower plants growing outside my kitchen window. I didn't plant them. They grew from seeds that fell from the bird feeder last winter and germinated in the spring. As the flowers open and the seeds ripen, the spot has been very busy with Goldfinches, both male and female. I never tire of watching them and hearing their delightful little calls.

[@McScootyKins]

My favorite songbird 💛

[@mp-xe7ky]

My donation was always my dog's fur after a good brushing. All my critters love it.

[@awakenedpisces680]

I do this too! I see some of my Schnauzers fur in my house finches nest they made inside my fern 🥰

[@repetemyname842]

Wow, 11 years, thats pretty darn good run for a little bird. My best day ever at the bird feeder involved one of these birds, I had the goldfinch, a cardinal and an indigo bunting all at the same moment. Never got a photo, of course, but that was a little slice of magic,- the Primary Colors of the Wisconsin bird world all eating sunflower seeds at the same time. Made my day.

[@tinathorne8355]

I didn't see Goldfinch until I moved south in NJ. I was enthralled to see these colorful little birds.

[@johngallagher2313]

Our feeder had 4 males and a female on it at the same time this afternoon. We also plant sunflowers in the garden every year and they feed on the sunflowers heavily. We sure enjoy them.

[@momof2641]

I’m really new to the joy of backyard birding, we built a screened in back porch this spring. I’ve always had one bird feeder and tried to remember to keep full as much as possible. We knew we had Red bellied woodpeckers as we’ve watched them for the past 13 years on the trees out of the kitchen window. The back several acres of our property is wetlands, we had absolutely no idea what we were missing out on for all the years. We’ve got a whole slew of rare and endangered birds right here on our very own piece of paradise this side of heaven. I’m up to 17 feeders now and have 2 more coming today, yes, I’m obsessed with all of these joyful little creatures. I also have some heaters coming for the birdbaths, I read that a water source in the winter time can be hard for the little guys to find when it’s freezing temps. I got one of the camera/video feeders but I wanted more and it was cheaper to add cameras to our security system than buy more of the feeders. So now we have 4 extra cameras so I can keep an eye on everyone when I’m not well enough to sit on the porch all day. My heart function is down to 37% so I can’t always physically get out of bed and spend the day on the porch especially on the days my husband and daughter are working. Don’t think I’m too crazy, it gives me something to look forward and pushes me to get and have something to look forward to. I saw in the video about the natural cotton fibers so I’m going to add that to my playground. My question is, I have one of those wire suet feeders that I’ve been putting cat hair in, someone told me that the birds would use it as nesting material. I’ve been sketchy about it though since cats are one of the main predators of birds so I was really curious if it’s true or not. Should I get rid of the cat hair? I have some natural cotton quilting batting that I can probably pull apart and make it small enough for all the little guys to use. Now I’m excited that maybe we’ll have some new little ones visiting our feeders so the Goldfinches raise their babies later in the season. Since I’m new to all of this you’ve got yourself a new subscriber and I’ve got a playlist to binge watch for days. Thanks for all these great videos you put out and for helping me to learn about all my new back yard children. I’d love advice or tips on getting a few more of the rare a endangered birds on my feeders more often. I offer fresh fruits and veggies everyday as well as a good mixture of seed, pellets, peanuts and suet cakes. I’m in Delaware if that makes a difference on getting these guys out the jungle more often 😂🙈

[@markburns4497]

I've always been amazed that these tiny birds are amongst the loudest vocal birds in my neighbourhood. They are a joy to watch and so vibrant yellow. They are acrobats in the way they cling to a plant, sometimes upside down, and peck away at the seeds in late summer and fall. I'm so glad I have these in my area.

[@wyomingadventures]

When I first moved to Wyoming in 1980 people here said wild canary and I was like you mean goldfinch. They told me no its a wild canary. I just laughed because I was from Iowa. Great information on goldfinchs. Some things I didn't know about them. Thanks Leslie!

[@dougsteenwyk3639]

When I was a kid we had nesting goldfinches in our trees every year.

[@tonypadilla1330]

Thank you Lesley! We really appreciate you & all you teach us. God Bless you & all our feathered friends ❤️

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

You are so welcome

[@vickibowen5617]

I absolutely LOVE these little Goldfinches-- darling! But I also enjoy Lesley's commentary, so calming and you can hear the Love in her voice for Birds 💖💖💖

[@nottawa86]

I live in Texas near a brushy open woodland and behind my suburban neighborhood with birdfeeders, including thistle and tube feeders. However the winter of 2018-19 and 2019-20, I only had about 5 each time, even with all the fall aster around that time of the year. I could never figure out why. Next thing you know though, this winter, starting in November, we had the usual 5, then it became 10, then 15, then 20 and then over 30, maybe 40. They kept swarming the feeders and fighting, it was so fun to watch. And because of the irruption this year, we got 1 female purple finch and 2 male purple finches, they were so pretty as well as 2 pine siskins. We also got over 30 savannah sparrows, which weren't here last year except for 1 as well as the usual 4-5 lincoln sparrows and 3 field sparrows. The warblers ate the suet more this winter and so did the chickadees. Our regular winter warblers are yellow rumps, orange crowns and pine warblers. This winter we also got the red bellied woodpeckers to finally eat the suet, before that, it was mainly just the carolina chickadees and carolina wrens and the warblers. Out in the brushy open woodland behind the fence the usual sparrows hung out in the brush and tall grasses as well a house wren, some ruby-crowned kinglets, and blue gray knatcatchers. Of course, there is also the usual Red-Shouldered Hawks and Cooper's Hawks, every migration, including this year we get the truly beautiful indigo buntings. There is also orioles and gray catbirds, but I don't think the local mockingbirds appreciate it. In the summer there is the typical mississippi kites and Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds and maybe orioles or tanagers. All year is the typical cardinals, blue jays, chickadees, carolina wrens, mockingbirds, mourning doves, white winged doves, house finches and the occasional eastern bluebirds show up too. Anyways, if you are wondering where this is, it's Webster, Texas. There are also cows back there. Unfortunately, this property as well as all it's diversity, not all of which I could mention, didn't even get to all the birds like the egrets or all the reptiles and amphibians, like the anoles, toads, treefrogs and snakes, is now might disappear as the property has had most of the trees and brush cleared. Some remains behind my fence and around the edges of the property, but the the rest is gone. I'm not sure what to do now, it might be developed soon or something like that. I'm worried that it will just turn to city like everywhere else and the diversity will disappear. :(

[@Hodad3000]

Haven't checked in, in a while. You are such a treasure.

[@janiceglines606]

They also love zinnias and cone flowers, and the tiny, tiny seeds of our red basil. TFS!

[@ginafriend1690]

I forgot to add. My tee came. Love it! I've worn it for 2 days straight now ..

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

Hi Gina, I'm so happy you like it. Thank you for the support.

[@Terri_Stauffer]

This bird just showed up at me feeder for the first time today. Vibrant color.

[@cobrachicken07]

I'd like to add that your videos bring much joy and knowledge to my life. Thanks for the excellent content!!!!

[@jsimon9353]

They also LOVE purple coneflowers (echinacea). If you want to see goldfinches in late summer or early fall, plant coneflowers somewhere sunny.

[@gingersmith1985]

I live in the Deep South. We’ve had Goldfinches for a good while. We are big backyard bird feeders. We have a lot of Goldfinches. The males are in full yellow color. 👍🏻👏🏻

[@valerieschluger]

So cool to be informed about the nest material.

[@robbabcock_]

What beautiful little birds!🐦😁

[@1986Unlimited]

This is one bird I've had a lot of time and experiences to study. It makes a lot of sense that they would breed at a time of year where their energy is the highest and the foods they eat are the most abundant, to give them the best chance to feed their young as well as themselves. Ensures survival. Their spring yellow is so bright and vibrant. They always give me that tristis call you discussed when I step out to put some seed into the feeder or if am too close to the place they wish to fly to. Almost as if to tell me "Please excuse me human, I wish to use this spot and you are too close."

[@Paige-Turnner]

I love goldfinches. We live overlooking a marsh and get quite a few of them and yes they are bright yellow already here in MN.

[@FunnyFallGuy]

Goldfinches look truly exotic! It's so exciting that these beauties reside in my neighborhood (near Boston).

[@manofparadox]

Thanks for this. I've posted a sign in my yard: "To my beloved mother Cowbirds- do not lay eggs in the Goldfinch nest." My mission for the proliferation of NJ Cowbirds continues.

[@grammamarth6681]

I’ve been warning my cow birds that too. I suggested they lay in the starling nests. Wish they’d understand and listen!😁

[@manofparadox]

@@grammamarth6681 Gramma, you are too funny!

[@russellgentile4719]

Wonderful videos where we can learn and be at peace with some of our greatest gifts: birds. Thank you Leslie.

[@petermarshall7005]

Another great video Lesley we have an European Goldfinch in Australia not a native but introduced in the 1800s a similar bird with many of the same characteristics including being very fond of the thistle seeds. They are not considered a pest unlike the starling and Indian Myna. Many canary breeders cross the goldfinch with a canary to get a mule which is a superb whistler and very robust. Best wishes from Sydney Australia.

[@icouldjustscream]

These are my husband's favourite bird. We have them year round. They enjoy the black oils feeder. The males have their summer colours on. I hang nesting material called 'hummers helper', I get it from Vesey's. I see the female goldfinches gathering it as well! I watch them and the hummingbirds take turns!

[@nitesurfer247]

Both mentioned birds are why I sit in my screen room on my deck and feel like I have solace in a magical way every spring and summer. 💛🖤💞

[@MattAngiono]

It's dumping snow outside here in Boulder, Colorado and our feeder is swarming with Goldfinches! I love them so much, and yup, those males are really turning that beautiful gold already! I've probably got a dozen hours of slow-motion footage and many pictures of them over the last year since Covid hit... If you ever need extra shots, I am more than happy to share them and I've got quite a variety of other birds too (and I always avoid getting the feeder in the frame)! A couple days ago the sun popped out while it was snowing and the "diamond dust" was sparking bright... It's truly the most beautiful way to see them, as you can see how the air moves with every flap of their wings! I love your work and appreciate your passion for sharing these wonderful creatures with the world!

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

Thanks Matt I will normally make a post in community when looking for videos so keep an eye out for that.

[@djosbun]

Thank you for a other amazing video! We hung up the fuzzy cotton ball near our bird house, in hopes that someone will make a nice, sturdy and comfortable nest this season!

[@0Suz0]

Thank you so much for including the goldfinch song and calls. That was lovely!

[@cheaplaughkennedy2318]

Always enjoy watching your episodes, they are truly beautiful birds .

[@katydidwhat6120]

It's always a delight to see new videos from you. 💖 And finches are so CUTE! 💕

[@nancybusso6171]

Fascinating!! I love the part when the male continues to feed the young while the female is building another nest! “Come on Honey! Those kids need to learn to fend for themselves! I’ve got the new nest almost done!” 🌳💕

[@MerkinMuffly]

My favorite bird sounds, little squeekers.

[@bf9414]

one of my my favorite birds Lesley you're my favorite bird nerd !

[@joniangelsrreal6262]

I’m needing to add two more thistle feeders to my already four hanging... This Spring I’m going through 10 lbs a week .....it’s a busy Spring in S.E. Michigan... being grateful 🌟

[@joseenoel8093]

They're just the best! I knew they were late breeders, I knew it may have been thistle related and thought it due to their requirement of the plant's silk as nesting material, nice cotton pack!

[@christinedehm7313]

Gorgeous little birds I have been watching and feeding for years. Thanks for posting another great video; enjoyed it!😊❤️

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

Thanks Christine glad you enjoyed

[@wyomingadventures]

I love the idea of providing nesting materials for them!

[@videoview2007]

Hi Lesley, New Jersey here. I plant Zinnia every year and have seen them pluck the pedal's off for the seeds at the end. I like your observation that they don't mind swinging in the wind while they feed because I have seen that also when they are swaying back and forth on my Zinnia's.

[@tommymanus]

We placed a bright red ribbon on the bottom of our fuzz ball. Hummingbirds are attracted to the nesting material as well as a variety of other birds including finches..

[@jenisecoronado5555]

That was wonderful -thank you, Lesley! Isn't it amazing how God can create a tiny little bid that weighs as much as a CD that is such a beautiful and amazing little acrobat?! God's creation never ceases to amaze me!

[@jonminer9891]

Hi, Lesley. I really enjoyed this lesson on Goldfinches. I hope people put out the cotton nesting material. Thanks for sharing! Stay healthy!

[@kabernat]

This beauty comes to my bird feeder early in the morning. Such a delightful sight!

[@lynnecliffe3056]

We had Goldfinches in our modest sized maple last year. In the Fall that tree was due for a serious pruning, which exposed said nest. When I saw the true size of it I was impressed. The building material was a surprise as well. It appeared to be some sort of fuzzy packing material. Your description of their preferred nesting material enlightened me. Equally rewarding, besides having these little ones as tree guests, was watching passersby stop on the sidewalk to point up and stare at that wholesome structure all through the winter season. Whether they return, time will tell.

[@basiacolegrove2676]

Love these guys!! Always have.

[@donpowlen]

Lesley, I am amazed at how many bird species live here in Texas and also where you are in Canada. Yellow Finches love the thistle feeders I put out. My folks still call them Wild Canary’s.

[@kittenkorleone2918]

They are so lovely. I have several at my feeders at any time year round. It's good to know they are so successful. I love how their flight undulates with each call! Plant Echinachea. They love the seed heads late in season.

[@cobythebirdnerd3790]

Love Goldfinches! Thank you Lesley!

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

Me too, they are sweet birds. Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for the nice comment

[@cobythebirdnerd3790]

@@LesleytheBirdNerd 🙂

[@loregordon7838]

Thank you for the video on my favorite bird !

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

Most welcome

[@carolm.5880]

Hi, yes this is first Spring I tried those “cotton balls” and somebody loves it! Never been able to see who it is, but so happy they like it🐤

[@lisawilson797]

I had a female Goldfinch stealing my dog's fur on my patio to make a nest 😄 I love these sweet birds 💛

[@woodstream6137]

I have a long hair cat and am going to save the hair from brushing now. They usually come by when our cone flowers bloom

[@wild.birds1]

Abounir lisa

[@kenporter5288]

Last year our goldfinches loved the cotton nesting material we provided them close to their feeders. One of them was so excited that he would get a huge mouth full but then become confused when he flew next to the thistle feeder. Fluff got dropped in favor of food!

[@Alpha_wolf_29]

We have a finch screen feeder in or backyard and we love to see these birds year round. We see them either right side or even upside down on our screen feeder.

[@keithranney4753]

Saw some on the feeders today, so vibrant this time of year. But the bears are out too, luckily the plastic feeders just snap back together!

[@georgegaiennie3747]

Another very nice video.

[@seanledden4397]

Another super fun video. I've always loved the black & yellow combo of the summer male finch.

[@HiNRGboy]

I love goldfinches! Wonderful video as always 😊

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

Thank you very much!

[@DMike54]

Another very informative video. Thank you for that.

[@tyussalal3705]

wow this was perfect timing for me. i just put up a feeder and have seen a BUNCH. Thanks for the great vid :)

[@pamelaself1298]

Thank you so much. I’m enjoying these videos more than I expected. I usually don’t go to bed until 6-7am, so my daylight hours awake are limited. I also live in FtWorth Texas so temperatures are extreme , my opinion) but with your channel I can still enjoy the sights and sounds of our country’s natives. I’m so appreciative Lesley. Pamela

[@mikeljmcphee]

I had never seen them before until recently. Beautiful birds!

[@basiacolegrove2676]

Smiled when referred to as "wild canaries". Have used the term myself.

[@ericschroeder6274]

Yeay!! Birdie time!!

[@ellindsey000]

We have a flock of about a dozen goldfinches that have shown up at our backyard feeder in the last week. When not at the feeder, they often shelter in a tree nearby. I can’t see them well in there, but the constant chatter is unmistakable. My wife calls them the “dinner birds” for the way they politely sit down and take turns at the feeder, not fighting and eating politely like they’re at a formal dinner.

[@transamgal9]

I just saw a Goldfinch hovering like a hummingbird then fliting like a butterfly 🦋 from what you said seems a little early for mating in the Chicago area. But it was really neat to see.

[@camerongraves8398]

You just helped me ID the little fella next to me and possibly saved him as he's almost done with his fledgling stage but was on the ground cornered by a bluejay thank you

[@Mossbattlemew]

They truly are little sunshine’s ☺️

[@stevehorn646]

Just like Lesley 🤩

[@marialane1805]

Thank you for this! I have not yet seen my little friends. I live in south west Pa. I absolutely love their calls!

[@bennysarafa6774]

My favorite finch. I love the squeaky notes they make.

[@AniFam]

I haven’t seen a large group of finches in my area yet, but several of them visited my backyard (for sunflowers) last year. They are so cute and pretty~ 🐦💞 Thank for sharing this informative video! 🤗👍✨ 🔆AniFam〽️

[@divineparallel7701]

This is one of my spirit animals

[@gracerodgers8952]

I saw a male American goldfinch this morning,over in a thistle patch, so gorgeous 😍,so exciting. Beautiful video, Lesley!🤓

[@gregbruns8442]

Really great video on this terrific bird! You have wonderful video clips. Good luck at catching them fly through the air. It is a magical dance and so quick it is very difficult to capture. Thank you for sharing!!

[@cougarcaterwaul4289]

I love your videos! 🥰

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

Glad you like them!

[@DumpsterBaby18]

Great video, thanks so much for featuring some of my photos!

[@jimmymehaffey142]

Great video. We have them now, here in Georgia .

[@ohiowalnut]

Thanks for confirming what my grandma would call them 60 years ago...Wild Canary. I haven't heard goldfinches called wild Canary in a long time, you bring back fond memories for me! Thanks Leslie 😊

[@kennyw6932]

We have three rescue house cats. I comb them quite often, keeping the released fur in a plastic sandwich bag then placing it in a Suit feeder for the birds to utilize in nest building. It's amazing how quickly it disappears when placed outdoors at their disposal.

[@katiekane5247]

In much of the country, especially here in the S.E., asters frequently grow in many areas. Right of ways & other infrequently mowed areas generally are full of them. Let some grow for our little gold friends! I put out dryer lint & hair from the brush for nesting. Dry sphagnum moss seems popular too. How I admire the little birds, surviving despite the challenges. Very bright male finches in N. Georgia right now & the hummingbirds have arrived.

[@marylongoria9431]

I love this little birds, I had many during the winter months. They love to eat sunflower seeds. 🌻

[@Randy1743]

I see a few Goldfinches around the feeders during the warmer months. I also noticed they are also attracted to catnip that I have growing in pots and will eat the seeds after they flower. Besides cats catnip is great at attracting all kinds of bees and birds.

[@josephbailey4463]

My grandfather called these finches canaries and I, as a child, was always confused.

[@finddeniro]

Wild Canaries. In the Hills. .

[@XSemperIdem5]

I actually had a canary who was a crossbreed of canary and finch. She had a hint of the black cap on the top of her head. She was obsessed with nyjer seeds just like the finches too. She had this combination of being a little bit of a wild child, definitely a hands off bird, but also really sweet and such a little picky princess 😅

[@christianszeman1446]

I live in New Jersey and I do have these birds in my backyard. I've seen them feeding on the seeds of my coneflowers and asters. I absolutely love them. 💛

[@jazzcatt]

I appreciate this video. I just took some photos of a male and a female eating together today and wanted to learn about them. I sure am glad I was led to your video.

[@gettingold59]

who thought staying home could be interesting and maybe learn a little. well done AGAIN Miss Nerd

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

Thank you Allan. Take care

[@nanabninnab9732]

My trees and feeders are full of little Gold Finches and a few rose colored one... I love Spring!

[@donnawojdacz6969]

The true harbinger of spring in my eyes!

[@belwynne1386]

My word for a group of goldfinches is a giggle. A giggle of goldfinches seems like a perfect description.

[@Gigimamapa5]

I always enjoy your podcasts. Thank you 😊.

[@caryolkob8199]

Your presentations are just magical to me. I like the way you describe the bird, and then go on to tell us all about it like what it eats, how it nests, reproduction facts, migration route. Ithe first thing i look for in your videos is what does it look like, its name, and the best part to me is the bird songs. You do this so well! Thank you, You make this fun!😀

[@spacewurm]

Fascinating video. I rescued one of these birds over two decades ago. The mother had abounded it after calling for hours. Young goldfinch was in a bush. I took it out of bush and carefully placed in shoe box (with plenty of air holes) and brought to local bird sanctuary.

[@LesleytheBirdNerd]

Thanks for being helpful to the little one.