Birds and Nature

A week ago two Lesser Goldfinch arrived at my feeders the same day as three Pine Siskins, the first I had seen here this season. The Lesser Goldfinch have usually migrated south by now. Given the unusually warm temperatures (highs often in upper 60's) they may think the angle of the sun (that birds use to know when to migrate) is off. SeEtta

These Lesser Goldfinch have been enjoying my backyard sunflower garden. I have been trying to add more natural food sources so I can reduce my birdfeeding--I enjoy watching birds pick sunflower seeds from the flower more than out of a tray. Additionally the food sources, especially native food sources like sunflowers, provide food and habitat for other species as well as the seed-eating birds. I have been pleased to be hosting many bees on these sunflowers plus a hummingbird will stop by from time to time,likely to grab a small spider to provide protein. SeEtta