A new Goldfinch generation
There’s an adult Goldfinch twittering and chattering loudly from the top of one of the Oak trees at Boys Hall Moat.
The scientific name for Goldfinch is Carduelis carduelis. Carduus is the Latin name for thistle.
Teasel is an important winter food-source for Goldfinches. In July it’s still green and blooming nicely.
I can see a newly-fledged Goldfinch. It has the golden wing-flashes but none of the other features yet.
Teasel flowers are tiny on these spiky flower heads. I remember being told as a child that textile workers would ‘card’ wool by teasing the fibres straight using teasel heads.
I finally understand where the word carding must have come from; the Latin for thistle. And Teasel? Since teasing is to ‘irritate someone by annoying actions’, I think Teasel could do that job well, don’t you?
The next generation of Goldfinches is growing fast.
And the Teasel’s seeds are ripening in the sun.
They’ll meet in winter.
More Goldfinches
Goldfinch underwing A fluttering Goldfinch landing on a small branch is a delight. The yellow pattern on the underwing is wonderful. The… read more
Fluffy feathers and sharp claws and beak The tinkling of Goldfinches is approaching and I'm thrilled to see one perching nearby. I love their upright stance, and… read more
Tinkling Goldfinch I'm surrounded by Teasel. It's the ideal perch for Goldfinches and I'm ready to take their photograph any time they… read more
Photobombed Goldfinch I'm taking photographs of a Goldfinch in the snow when a Blue Tit flies past. I think it's an elegant… read more
Goldfinch in snow There's a slightly bedraggled Goldfinch in the snow. It's been snowing lightly with gentle flakes so its plumage is wet.… read more
The tinkling of gold on a grey day Sometimes it's just too dull for bird photography. Then I find a Goldfinch and even the greyest of grey days… read more
Tinkling in the trees There's a tinkling I recognise in the trees. I see it as it flies down to a barbed wire fence.… read more
