Goldfinches
We have Goldfinch visitors to the reflection pool, here in Slovenia. They are alert to any danger and approach cautiously.
Drinking makes you vulnerable, so they must take care. Goldfinches use the standard method of drinking used by birds. They can’t suck (or use straws, for that matter) so they have to fill their lower mandible with water and then tip their heads back so it runs down their throat. It’s not a very efficient system.
We’ve been fascinated with Goldfinches for centuries. The first book illustration of one is from Conrad Gessner’s book Historia animalium, published in Zurich in 1555.
His five volume set was a Renaissance revelation. The Goldfinch is called De Carduele here because of its association with thistles (carduus in Latin). The scientific name of the European Goldfinch is Carduelis carduelis.
They’re joined by a beautiful juvenile, with it gorgeously spotted breast.
What a great view.
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
