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.

Goldfinch - Boys Hall Moat - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

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.

Teasel - Boys Hall Moat - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

I can see a newly-fledged Goldfinch. It has the golden wing-flashes but none of the other features yet.

Goldfinch - Boys Hall Moat - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

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?

Teasel - Boys Hall Moat - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

The next generation of Goldfinches is growing fast.

Goldfinch - Boys Hall Moat - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

And the Teasel’s seeds are ripening in the sun.

Teasel - Boys Hall Moat - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

They’ll meet in winter.

Goldfinch - Boys Hall Moat - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

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