This morning when I took the cameras to the kitchen I counted at least twenty Goldfinches, most on the feeders, some on the lawn and a few at the bird bath. There are not enough perches for so many visitors and it is pure mayhem as they squabble to find a place to eat.
Even the other birds, like this male Chaffinch, are finding it difficult to get a look in as the Goldfinches spread over most of the feeders.
Unfortunately the sound of them squabbling wasn't captured on the video clips as the back door was shut and the one facility lacking from my camcorder is the ability to plug in an external microphone. The video is a normal speed .....
One Goldfinch had the answer to the lack of perch space - hang upside down ....
Several Goldfinches bided their time by taking a drink from the bird bath.
I think I will have to make a trip to the local garden centre and buy another thistle seed feeder. It is a good job I have a delivery of seed coming today as the feeders are being emptied at an alarming rate.
I have read that Goldfinches can congregate in flocks of up to one hundred over the Winter months but I think I will be more than satisfied with twenty or so!
And we used to think the adverts for the seed feeders were faked! What a stunning sight. The photos with the birds in flight are superb.
ReplyDeleteI have a feeling they will not stop at twenty once the tweet gets around.
Being the cynical soul I am, Twosie, I used to think exactly the same way about the adverts but seeing is believing, here anyway!
ReplyDeleteThe tweet is getting around quite fast enough at the moment :) Just off to get another feeder.
Thinking about how you used to long for Goldfinches in the garden John the phrase 'be careful what you wish for' comes to mind ;)
ReplyDeleteSeriously though, they look so pretty and the photos are lovely. I particularly liked the first photo with the overall view, such activity!
They have been eating sackfuls of Sunflower hearts here lately plus lots of Nyger seed but have slowed down in the last few days due to the presence of the Sparrowhawk.
I know Jan. I daren't wish I had more Hedgehogs - I could end up with dozens ;)
ReplyDeleteIt was real bedlam for about 20 minutes then things calmed down as the first sitting finished their breakfasts.
It is a shame that your local Sparrowhawk is causing such disruption - you will just have to let any wild brambles grow up :)
Wow your going to have to get a part~time job to feed all your birds now John...but excellent photography and movies. The spiders's web shots are great even though a wee ladybird was a meal that day. I very much loved your shot of Bobby...what a beautiful dog...I miss having a dog John very much. But we rent and the rules are firm. What can you do....Have a wonderful day.
ReplyDeleteLucky you! I am lucky at the moment if I get two Goldfinches, they seem to disappear at this time of year along with the Siskins. The Goldfinches are angry little birds, they sound angry when they are squabbling.
ReplyDeleteThank you Crista. Bobby is a gentle considerate soul most of the time - a real gentleman as he waits for me to go through a doorway before following on behind. I have been without a companion (illness and old age as I tend to take on older rescue dogs) three times over the past 12 years or so and the place seems empty without one.
ReplyDeleteI was happy enough when I just had one pair visiting Lynmiranda. I have no idea where all the others have come from. They must be telling each other about the free food on offer. They certainly have become real bossy boots recently.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing sight to see. So many! I don't think I've seen so many feeding in one place before.
ReplyDeleteCaptured beautifully John.
You may have to dig deeper into your pocket John if they tell all their friends about your restuarant! Great to see so many goldies enjoying themselves. FAB.
ReplyDeleteIncredible photos!
ReplyDeleteThanks Keith. I nearly missed this comment, sorry. It is a lovely, if now noisy, sight.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly is Frank and they are still increasing. I will soon have put up the 'No More Room at the Inn' sign ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you GLW. They do take a nice portrait.
ReplyDelete