I was about halfway home when I caught sight of something special which caught my eye, instantly braking me. There, right in the middle of a garden fence, was it. A little bird, a treat to the eye with its colorful wings. Without hesitating I pulled out my camera to capture what was a truly magical moment. Its curious how nature always surprises you with such small spectacles if only we keep our eyes open.
The bird on the fence was undoubtedly a Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis). Its plumage is beautiful. Its bright red face mask, clearly organized by black and white converging in opposite directions of his head, and the bright yellow stripes on the other wise black of its wings. Very rarely do you see such a variety of pure color in the local bird life. The goldfinch sat peacefully on the fence and despite my near completion in its presence, was obviously oblivious of my intrusion, If only for a moment. It really was a cumbersome interval of beauty amid the mundaneness of everyday life.
The Goldfinch is an attractive bird, but it doesn't stop there. It leads life with panache. The name "Goldfinch" isn't just a fun title. It loves the thistle seeds and other coarse seeds. The Goldfinch has a stout, pointed beak for cracking seeds and can skillfully work even the prickly heads from thistles and reach the seeds. Fun to watch the Goldfinch clinging to prickly plants. Goldfinch is often seen flying in open country, on blighted farms, edges of roads, and gardens for its favorite food. For Goldfinch and others who eat thistles, its eating makes them very effective spreaders of this plant; every seed lost becomes an opportunistic plant!
Goldfinches are social birds, particularly outside of the breeding period when they may form large flocks that can often be seen foraging together in fall and winter. A flock can be comprised of dozens or even hundreds of goldfinches and when they are flying together the collective movement is a wonderful sight. Flocks have a social dynamic, and the birds seem to be constantly communicating with one another with their characteristic calls, which often include trilling voices. The goldfinch's song is also recognizable. It consists of a rapid pattern of cheerily chirps often finishing with what feels like a rolling of "tigelitt" or "stiglit." Once you've heard a goldfinch song you won't forget it!
In my encounter with the goldfinch on the fence, I felt this was a beautiful reminder of how much beauty there is to discover in the immediate surroundings if only we are observant. It is moments such as this that make our everyday lives richer, getting us closer to nature. I was happy to be able to photograph this little treasure and share these impressions with you. I hope the photos convey the beauty of this little bird for you too!🙃✌️
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