I have fed goldfinches for several years. About four years ago I got tons of them in early September. I remember seeing up to twelve on my sock feeder while more waited in line for a spot. Each year since has had less. I've seen one set of youngsters in the last week, but that's it. There are usually more goldies at my feeders in rainy weather, but it hasn't rained in three weeks. I think one reason I get fewer goldies now is other people around here have gotten feeders and they are a bit closer to the nesting area than I am.

I live in Rochester NY, and I also have had them all summer but only a few at a time. For the past couple of weeks though there's been a lot of juvies and parents at the feeder. I have to refill it every few days, versus once a week during the summer.

It was quite the sight with the mother feeding one that kept fluttering in the daisies below the feeder. I've haven't seen the nuthatches or chickadees in a few days. I hope the finches stick around for the winter.

{{!gwi}}

I'm in Redford, MI and we have had a lot more goldfinches the last few weeks. We have a sock and a finch tube feeder and have to fill them most days. Usually at this time of year we fill every other day or so. They're lining up to eat and fussing and fighting if someone takes thier place on a feeder, its funny to see such tiny birds 'fight' over the sock.

Here just north of Pittsburgh, we have an unusual amount of GF's at our 2 tube thistle feeders. They are also feeding heavily on the seed heads of several types of flowers in the yard. It is a delight to look out into the yard and see the wildly bouncing seed heads as the finches and other small birds devour them.

At the thistle feeders we are also seeing house finches and various sparrows along with mourning doves who insist on sitting in the tiny tray and chowing down.

Gold finches nest very late in the East, typically not until August. They are seed eaters and this time of year is their time of plenty. So there is always an eruption of GF this time of year. We have lots of Juvies now.

I've had at least eleven goldfinches mobbing my nyjer feeder and black-eyed susan seed heads today, the most goldies I've seen at once in years. It's too bad nearly all of their yellow feathers are gone in favor of brown.

we have had several frosts and a couple hard freezes in last couple weeks. it killed all the flowers outside. but the wild sunflowers and the native grasses are full of seed. I saw a whole flock of assorted finches down by the highway feeding on the sunflowers and the grass seed.
There are some coming to the feeders but not near as many as on the plants.

I counted 14 at my feeder yesterday. Was thinking about getting another feeder but then figured I'd have twice as many birds. Not sure I want that many.

But it is a treat to watch them fight for the 6 perches.

This is interesting. I usually have tons of Goldfinches year round, and this year my numbers are way down. They are usually all over my salvia (they love the seeds), but this year I haven't seen a single one on the salvia. I have nyjer seed feeders up, but rarely see a Goldfinch on them. It is most unusual. I hope they're just finding abundant food elsewhere and will be back come winter.

Yes, I've had a lot more goldfinches lately too here in MN. I've got three feeders out for them and can barely keep up! I hope the redpolls and pine siskins come back this winter, along with my adorable little red-breasted nuthatches.

--
Liz in Bloomington, MN
Backyard weather and feedercam: http://www.overlookcircle.org
Photo gallery: http://www.pbase.com/gymell/liz_favorites
Follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/lizmstanley