[tn-bird] Re: bevy of goldfinch

In a message dated 6/17/02 10:05:59 AM Central Daylight Time, 
cmmbirds@xxxxxxxxx writes:


> Actually, there probably aren't any young American Goldfinches (AMGO)
> right now.  AMGO are generally the last species to nest in the
> eastern US because they await the blooming of thistle, the down of
> which they use to line their nests.  Since thistle is just now
> starting to bloom (at least here in the Smokies) it won't be at peak
> for another week or two at least, so most AMGO are just hanging out
> and enjoying early summer.  


The "Russian Thistle" here in west TN started producing fluffy white seed 
heads a couple of weeks back. The Goldfinches have been feasting for a while 
on the blooms and now on the fresh green seeds. Last weekend I did see a 
female collecting nest lining and ferrying it back to a nest location up in 
Lake County. This would be the earliest nesting attempt I've ever seen over 
here. Being opportunistic I would think they adjust their breeding habits 
according to availability of habitat and food. I have seen nests here in west 
TN from very late June (only one) through early September but most are found 
in August. Their summer numbers and breeding over this way has markedly 
increased since I started birding in the late 70's and early 80's. 

American Crows have again nested in my yard without detection until the young 
were nearly grown. This is another species that has greatly increased here in 
the city while Fish Crows seemed to have increased only slightly but have 
increased in the number of locations seen.

Good Birding!!!

Jeff R. Wilson
OL' COOT / TLBA
Bartlett Tenn.


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