Replacing blinds in our Columbia, Missouri, house, I looked out across one of our flower beds as I worked. Since a profusion of purple coneflowers have recently gone to seen, a flock of American goldfinches had stopped by to partake of the crop.
Always beautiful to behold, the colorful finches certainly brightened an otherwise cloudy afternoon. Of course, their company also made my chore more enjoyable.
Permanent residents in Missouri, American goldfinches pair off to breed and raise their young but spend most of the year in sizable flocks, roaming the suburbs and countryside to feast on whatever seeds are available. Birders who feed our avian neighbors know that they are especially fond of Nyjer ("thistle") seed.
