Again, Goldfinches

So today the goldfinches came back.  The female stayed at the feeder as I came out and sat down, and filled up on nyjer seed while I watched her.  Either she's been habituated to people, or she was really hungry.

The male made one swooping in-flight to consider the feeder, then landed in the neighbor's yard, out of sight.  But he proceeded to sing. 

Based on this, I think they are the Lesser Goldfinch.  The female's strong olive color contrasted with soft grey wings matched the photo at the Cornell lab of Ornithology for this species.  I think the male is the green-backed variety, but this will need further viewings to confirm.  One glimpse as he was flying rapidly way does not give me full confidence in the sighting. 

But it's such a thrill to have these birds singing in my yard.  A little bit of bliss.

Comments

[Joy]

We are such fans of Goldfinches .. and we have to hold tight until well into May most years . BUT when they come it is WONDERFUL ! .. we have two feeders with the nyger seed on the go for them .. other birds pick up the slack with dropped seed .. but that glorious colour and singing .. you can't beat that !
Joy

[Ki]

Although I haven't seen them lately, I know that goldfinches overwinter in NJ. They are one of my favorites too. When do the hummingbirds show up? My brother-in-law who lives in NM has tons of them and all different kinds. We are lucky to see one hummer every year. ;( And only the ruby throat.

[Jane Marie]

I'm in Michigan also. The finches have been singing for a week now. I love them. We noticed the males are starting to change color to that beautiful yellow. What a treat to watch them devour the seed daily.