Goldfinches and other colorful birds are easy to attract- if you feed them right

For years, I have put out a birdfeeder with a mixture of wild birdseed in my Belle Creek backyard.  I have attracted robins and house finches, occasional chickadees and grackles.  But I never saw a single goldfinch.

Well, I figured, they aren’t found around here.  They are common when I visit family in Illinois and Wisconsin.  The climate here is much drier- goldfinches must not like it here.  How wrong I was!

Finch Facts

Goldfinches are sociable and will visit backyard feeders in hungry flocks of 30 or more. Thistle or Nyjer seed is the preferred food of Goldfinches. Provide thistle in specially designed thistle/finch feeders. Store your thistle seed in a cool area or refrigerator to preserve it. Hang your thistle feeder at least 15 feet from other feeders and water sources. Hang it 4-5 feet in the air in a brushy area if possible.

 

Attract goldfinches to your Belle Creek Yard

Once I started to supply thistle, the goldfinches showed up.  First one, then two, then several began to visit every morning.  I was able to find non-sprouting thistle at Wild Birds Unlimited, so I don’t worry about thistles growing in my yard.  Goldfinches also eat black oil sunflower seed, although I have not tried it this in my feeder.

Finches nest later in the season than other birds, from June through August.  They mate in monogamous pairs and like to nest in forked branches up to 30 feet high.

A source of water is important.  Goldfinches love to bathe, so a bird bath, fountain or mister will help attract them to your yard.

You might want to stock up - once goldfinches start to show up, they will be hungry!  I signed up for an account at Wild Birds Unlimited to get their coupons and discounts.  What's even better about WBU is that they will happily share their tips and tricks and plenty of information on how to attract a wide variety of colorful birds.  I even attracted a Western Blue Bird to my yard - a rarity I was told!

This Western Blue Bird was a Welcome Visitor in Belle Creek

 

 

 

Jennifer Prestwich, REALTOR®

Your Castle Real Estate

 
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3 Comments on If You Feed Them They Will Come - Attracting Colorful Birds to Your Belle Creek Home by Jennifer Prestwich REALTOR®

MAR
18
2012
375,003 Points 10 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router Called Shot Master

growing up this was one of my moms pasttimes feeding and watching the variety of birds that came. I still enjoy seeing them to this day so thanks for this, nice memory
4:06pm • #1
MAR
19
2012
299,551 Points 48 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

HI, David- my dad and grandmother, too.  We always had several editions of Audobon's book around when I was growing up! :)
1:48pm • #2
SEP
09
330,867 Points Outside Blog
 

Thank you for sharing your blog; we need Real estate Professionals to share their comments and information regarding their markets and experiences. Thanks again from beautiful Sunny San Diego
10:25pm • #3

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