Psilos
Bird Photography |
Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis) |
A charm of Goldfinches is, I think the
best way of describing this very colourful finch. A resident species
in the UK its tinkling, bubbling call is quite distinctive and so beautiful
that these birds are still sold as cage birds in Europe. Increasingly
these birds are visiting garden bird feeders especially where niger
feeders are available. Their fine beaks also means they can be found
feeding on teasels and thistles, one of their favourite foods. In the
summer they feed on insects and seeds. In winter many UK goldfinches
migrate as far south as Spain. This is a bird of hedgerows and scrub
and can be found in gardens, meadows, woodland edges and anywhere that
weeds and teasel thrive. In the winter months they can be found in large
flocks. |
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November 29th Doffcocker Lodge, Bolton
and there are large flocks of Goldfinches feeding with a few Redpolls.
The day was very cold and frosty and the birds were obviously very hungry
as they didnt seem to mind my being there watching them. The two images
below were taken with a Sigma 170-500mm aso dg lens. |
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February 2006 Mere sands wood and there
are a few goldfinches around feeding on dead seed heads. |
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