American Goldfinch

Perched among blossoms

An American Goldfinch

Adds to the beauty

American Goldfinch

Until leaves develop on the trees this goldfinch doesn't have much of a hiding place. It is in its molting cycle, with white plumage complementing the yellow and black feathers. You can read more about the annual plumage cycle of a male American Goldfinch on the Sibley Guides website.

Goldfinch

An American Goldfinch perched briefly on a flower growing by the water's edge at Bassett Creek Park.

Birds and Geese in the Park

American Goldfinch

Canada Geese and Goslings

Baltimore Oriole

American Goldfinches

Goldfinches

American goldfinches like to flock together at the north end of the pond at Bassett Creek Park.  They perch on the large pussy willows and other brush that grows by the shore.

Pictured at right are some of the females, who aren't quite as brightly colored as the males.

These finches also enjoy snacking on sunflower seeds from our backyard feeder. As you might imagine, a flock of them can go through a lot of seeds quickly.

Tulips, Fiddleheads and more

Tulips in love

American Goldfinch

Fiddlehead ferns

Emerging Peony

Did you know that Fiddlehead Ferns are edible?  For tips on cooking these plants check out the Fresh Fiddlehead Fern Greens website.

Nature's banes or blessings

Thistle and bee

Have  you ever noticed how beautiful thistle is?  Hard to believe that many despise this plant.  Yet, if growing in your yard or garden, you might easily find it a nuisance, and quite prickly to touch.  This plant, that so many of us dislike, is a major source of food for the beautiful American Goldfinch. Thistle is also a great source of nectar for many butterflies.

The thistle is the national symbol of Scotland.  During medieval times when the Norse were invading Scotland it is believed that one of the Norse warriors stepped on a thistle, which then alerted the Scotts to their arrival.

Another bane for many are bees.  If you've been stung before, you can empathize. Yet, were it not for bees many of our plants and fruit trees would not be pollinated, and hence cease to produce. There has been a dramatic reduction in bees in recent years, caused by a virus and by the application of pesticides on farm land.  This is a concern, since it dramatically reduces the pollination of crops and wildflowers.

Butterfly 

So, it seems that many of the things we may dislike play a significant role in the ecosystem... and are great photographic material!

Busy bee with Swamp Milkweed