August is THE month to see American Goldfinches at their busiest and most brilliant. Goldfinches nest later than all the others and only have one brood. And it is on, now!
Strict vegetarians, Goldfinches will only eat an insect if it flies into it's mouth! With the right seeds in the right feeders, these vivid and entertaining birds will flock to your backyard!
How to Attract Goldfinches to your Backyard
- Nyjer seeds in a nyjer feeder is a magnet! Ask about our special Finch Favorite no-filler blend.
- Sunflower seeds, particularly hulled kernals, are also a favorite.
- Too many House Sparrows? Get a "Bottoms Up" feeder to deter them. Goldfinches will happily feed upside down!
- Water, water WATER! Keep your bird baths accessible, clean and fresh.
- Please use caution when pruning your shrubs and hedgerows during nesting season!
- Plant your garden with Goldfinches in mind. Some good choices include: asters, milkweed, sunflowers, purple coneflowers, zinnias, black-eyed susans and cosmos. Don't deadhead the plants in your gardens. Goldfinches will do that task for you as they forage for themselves and their babies!
In about a month, watch and listen for juvenile Goldfinches feeding voraciously at your feeders. Juveniles look like duller females, with tan on black wing bars—and they sound squeaky. Really squeaky!!!
Droll Yankees “Bottoms-Up” Finch Feeder
Inspire and nurture a junior birder in your life! Just put up a nyjer feeder from Droll Yankees Bird Lovers series and keep our new favorite easy-to-read book on Finches handy. Finches by Stan Tekiela. We keep this book, part of the Adventure Publications’ Backyard Bird Series, and others in stock.
For indepth information, The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is always a good resource.
Share your Goldfinch sightings, videos and photos with other Goldfinch fans on our Facebook page! Keep us posted!
Stop by the store! We're always happy to answer any questions to help enhance your Goldfinch experience.
