A multi-media account of my travels through life
This feather, likely from an American Goldfinch fledgling, was shed by its owner, drifted in the breeze, and came to rest on one of the rocks of our stone wall.
About 1″ in length, it was not exactly flashing neon to get noticed. But that little yellow tip caught my eye.
It rests on the wall lichen which is probably 15 years of age.
Just a moment from Fawn Hill… ❧
The seasons are beginning to change and signs of spring abound. This lovely female American Goldfinch is showing her new spring suit, looking for a mate. I have no doubt there will be plenty of suitors. ❧
More bird pictures from last week’s snow storm. These American Goldfinches are showing their spring and summer coat of bright yellow feathers…more indication that spring is on the way. Just a few weeks ago they were so drab, almost olive green. It is a complicated bird according to Wikipedia:
“The American Goldfinch undergoes a molt in the spring and autumn. It is the only cardueline finch to undergo a molt twice a year.[14] During the winter molt it sheds all its feathers; in the spring, it sheds all but the wing and tail feathers, which are dark brown in the female and black in the male.[13] The markings on these feathers remain through each molt, with bars on the wings and white under and at the edges of the short, notched tail.”
Surely not ALL of its feathers? Can’t say that I have seen one naked American Goldfinch and I think he/she would stand out in a crowd. 🙂
Alice's WanderLand 