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Nature Done Wright
Incorporating the Celery Farm and Screech Owl Companion blogs
September 10, 2007
Late nests
I thought that nesting season was over — at least I did until this weekend.
First I saw a cardinal feeding a fledgling at the feeder.
Then, as I was walking up the driveway, I heard what sounded almost like wind chimes cascading from above.
I squinted and saw, high in a pine tree, a nest with several chicks. Alas, pine needles or branches obscured nearly every view.
I could not even hazard an ID. (Well, I did think some sort of sparrow — quickly dismissed by those more knowledgeable.)
The marsh warden, judging by the thick nestlings’ beaks and small size, thought some sort of finch, probably goldfinch.
On Saturday afternoon, I could see the nestlings flapping their wings and jumping around, but I still couldn’t get a good ID — until an adult male flew in with a meal (photos below).
Turns out the marsh warden was right.
On Sunday around noon, an adult goldfinch showed up at the feeder during a training flight, but they were gone before I could grab a camera.
I wish the images below were a little better, but the nest was maybe 20 feet up and shrouded by pine needles.
4 comments
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Another great set and I almost missed it!
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Goldfinches sure are steady customers at feeders.
I managed to find one of the little ones on a lower branch this morning. I grabbed a camera and took some photos — will download them and post one or two after work.
Best,
Jim -
Great pictures! We have resident Golfinches year round at our thistle feeder, so it is especially nice to see your photos.
Cheers. -
Great pics! Last week I watched a mom feeding her cardinal babes in my rhodie bushes.
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4 comments
Pedro
Another great set and I almost missed it!
jim wright
Goldfinches sure are steady customers at feeders.
I managed to find one of the little ones on a lower branch this morning. I grabbed a camera and took some photos — will download them and post one or two after work.
Best,
Jim
Diana & Jeff
Great pictures! We have resident Golfinches year round at our thistle feeder, so it is especially nice to see your photos.
Cheers.
Christine
Great pics! Last week I watched a mom feeding her cardinal babes in my rhodie bushes.