Hanging Around

Several American goldfinch birds were having dinner this evening. The males have just turned their brilliant yellow and the females stay drab. There were several pairs just hanging around eating seeds off the weeds & grass...

The American goldfinch is a year round resident here. It's not a pesky bird, just minds its own business. It does not build a nest until June/July. It has to wait on the milkweed, thistles and other plants that produce a fibrous seed. They use this in their nest and also to feed their young. They are a real veggie seed eater, no bugs unless eaten accidentally :)