Before I moved here, I'd never seen a Lesser Goldfinch. Dave had never noticed them either. But after hanging the bird feeders on the back deck, there they were. Lots of the them.
They are small songbirds (4-4.5") weighing only about 3 oz each. They may be small, but they are feisty. They take no bull from other birds at the feeder at times appearing fearless.
Their feisty-ness is matched only by their exuberance when bathing. Maybe it's because it's molting season, or maybe because it's fledging season, or maybe it's just because - but these birds are bathing fiends right now.
It is such fun to sit at the table and work and watch them frolic in the bird bath. At first they stop for a drink. But the bubbling sound and slight splashing of the water takes hold of them and they can't resist. Some flop on top of the small fountain and bath. Others hop right into the pool and get after it. I counted 11 on the bath - with 4 to 5 bathing - a couple of days ago so I grabbed the camera to get some shots.
I took the photos. This means the photos are dreadful. Though of poor quality, they show the fun happening out back. In short order the birds will be gone for the winter to be replaced by the Junco. I hope they like bathing as well - the bath is heated and waiting just for them.
Before I moved here, I'd never seen a Lesser Goldfinch. Dave had never noticed them either. But after hanging the bird feeders on the back deck, there they were. Lots of the them.
They are small songbirds (4-4.5") weighing only about 3 oz each. They may be small, but they are feisty. They take no bull from other birds at the feeder at times appearing fearless.
Their feisty-ness is matched only by their exuberance when bathing. Maybe it's because it's molting season, or maybe because it's fledging season, or maybe it's just because - but these birds are bathing fiends right now.
It is such fun to sit at the table and work and watch them frolic in the bird bath. At first they stop for a drink. But the bubbling sound and slight splashing of the water takes hold of them and they can't resist. Some flop on top of the small fountain and bath. Others hop right into the pool and get after it. I counted 11 on the bath - with 4 to 5 bathing - a couple of days ago so I grabbed the camera to get some shots.
I took the photos. This means the photos are dreadful. Though of poor quality, they show the fun happening out back. In short order the birds will be gone for the winter to be replaced by the Junco. I hope they like bathing as well - the bath is heated and waiting just for them.
1 comment:
wow, you guys have a fountain and heat in your baths?! Your birds are lucky! :o)
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