Throughout Marin, there is a little yellow bird that the modern books miscall the lesser goldfinch. Miscall, because this bird is “lesser” in nothing but the insignificant comparison of size. I prefer ...

One of the most astounding phenomenon in nature is occurring right now in your backyard. American Goldfinches are molting their body feathers and transforming from oft-ignored drab, olive birds into ...

The American goldfinch is the most interesting and entertaining of all birds to observe this time of year. When other birds have started to molt and become a bit bedraggled in the process, the male ...

Goldfinches didn't get the nesting memo. The other birds did. They know to build their nests and start laying eggs in spring. The American goldfinch (Spinus tristis) waits until summer is in full ...

Probably, the American goldfinch should have been included in last week's column. It's another good starter bird, like the yellow warbler. It shouldn't be confused with the yellow warbler, though. The ...

During a recent live bird presentation to Nature Day Campers at Chippewa Nature Center, Barb and Joe Rogers of Wildlife Rescue Association asked children to name their favorite bird. One favorite was ...

On a sunny July morning, I woke up extra early with a bird on my mind. No surprise there. But this bird was different. I'd seen it before but never in the United States. It was time to do something ...

DEAR JOAN: During the recent cold snap I observed a small yellow finch sitting motionless on the walkway around the pool. I have a nyjer seed feeder in a maple tree on the other side of the pool, and ...

It's that time of year when feeder hosts ask, "Where are the goldfinches?" Be assured that goldfinch populations, estimated at 42 million, face no serious threat. While goldfinches wander the ...

Many people are surprised to learn the American goldfinch is with us in Minnesota year-round. It's a case of mistaken identity. In winter, goldfinches are in their somber plumage, mostly brown and ...

When it comes to feeding birds in the backyard, many people put out foods that will attract specific birds. Although most seed-eating birds will eat black oil sunflowers, cardinals prefer safflower ...