What a wonderful plant! I adore red and would get it in a heartbeat even though I am on the edge of it's hardiness zone like NHBabs. Babs did you end up getting one? If so would you give your experience with it.

Hi, June. I've never had much seed loss from the socks, oddly enough. They really are so cheap and easy to keep during our brief goldfinch season that I almost always use them. I've gone through three of them this spring, but now I'm down to just two goldfinches and they are feeding mostly on sunflower seed at the tray feeder. I do have one screened in thistle seed feeder, but the birds didn't seem to like it as much as the sock. I've thought about getting one like you linked to, but never bothered with the extra expense, since the goldfinches are only here for 3 or 4 weeks before heading back north. They come through in the fall, too, but not for as long. No matter which style feeder used, they do LOVE those thistle seeds, and it is so worth putting out for them. I had males this year completely colored up, solid brilliant yellow with black wings and cap, by the time they left. They were breathtaking. (Not my photo, btw) One thing, though...I didn't see a single bunting this year. Last year, I had indigos almost every day, and two painted buntings for about a week or 10 days. I also had a rose-breasted grosbeak one day, and a blue grosbeak once. So far, none of them has shown up this year, sniff! My catbird is still here and still eating seeds, but the myrtle warbler has finally figured out that he isn't supposed to be a seed eater and has gone off to find the rest of his flock. The garden is so much the richer for these wonderful creatures I share it with. They make my heart happy, and I hope to find more and more plants and flowers that will help bring them in. Marcia

Way to go Rachel! I don't always post but ALWAYS read & enjoy your posts. I haven't had any takers at my Oriole feeder but have seen both the Baltimore & Orchard this season. Yesterday I saw my FOS Indigo bunting-they are such beauties! Another first was the sighting of the Blue-grey gnatcatcher nest. I was so excited but when I returned the very next day to show someone I couldn't find it-the leaves had come out just enough & plus it was very high up. Very few warblers for me yet this season but I'm still hopeful. Keep up the lovely photos & stories. I look forward to each & every one. Susan

Thank you so much for your help. I always get help right here at the KT! You are all right about the Painted Bunting. He was back today and brought a friend. I tried to get pictures but when I move toward the window, they fly away. I haven't found the other two yet but I am sure I will. We went for a ride today after Church and went on our Nature Trail, we saw a lot of ducks, herons,cranes, and a pink flamingo. Also, we saw a really large alligator.Jim said that he must have been at least 11 feet long. We saw another smaller one. The only thing about that trail, is I have never seen a squirrel or rabbit out there.