American Goldfinches at Bear River MBR, Box Elder County, UtahAmerican Goldfinches at Bear River MBR – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/640, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Last week I found a small flock of American Goldfinches foraging on the auto tour route at Bear River MBR and I was able to capture a few images of them before they took off in a rush. The light was not the best and these finches moved around often so I felt fortunate to be able to capture even a few sharp images of them as they fed and foraged.

The American Goldfinches are in their nonbreeding plumage at this time of the year which is much duller than their bright yellow breeding plumage. They are a bit easier to spot in breeding plumage than nonbreeding plumage because they stand out better from their surroundings. This is another species of bird that I often hear before I see them.

A few interesting facts about American Goldfinches:

  • American Goldfinches molt twice a year, the only member in their family to molt in the spring.
  • American Goldfinches have also been called “eastern goldfinches” and “lightning birds”.
  • A group of goldfinches can be called a “charm”, “rush”, “treasury” or “vein” of goldfinches.

Because American Goldfinches have a broad range in North America most people have seen and heard these birds and because they come to feeders readily many people have seen them close up mixed in with other birds at their feeders.

I enjoyed photographing the flock of American Goldfinches I saw at Bear River and was delighted to watch them foraging along the roadside.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my American Goldfinch photos plus facts and information about this species.