Okay, I"m going to tell you ONE more time...

Dad:  You fly over there to the feeder and take a seed.  Got it?
Kid:  No, Dad.  I like it much better when you chew the seed up a bit and then bring it to me.
Dad:  Sigh....

It is always such a treat every late summer/fall when the American goldfinches finally fledge their youngsters.  Unlike all other N. American songbirds who start breeding in the spring, goldfinches time their one brood of the year to coincide with the arrival of thistle seeds.  The ones provided by nature, that is.  Actually, there are many seeds that "ripen" at this time of year, which ensures that goldfinches have plenty to feed their youngsters.  Another interesting factoid is that these are among only a very few birds in the world who feed their young only seeds - no insects.

Anyway, the adult male, seen here in the upper left, was having a challenge getting the youngster to go to the feeder.  In fact. Dad would be standing on the perch of the feeder and Junior would fly over and crowd his/her way onto the perch ...and then flap its wings demanding to be fed.  And all the while, carrying on in a rather strident voice.  Come to think of it, not all that dissimilar to human children.  Hmmm

One other shot in Extra of begging underway.
 
It has been heartwarming to read the comments from so many people who's lives were touched by Tim/SarumStroller.  For a man who seems to have gone about his life rather quietly, he connected in very special ways with so many.  Godspeed, Tim.

xo
Debbi