Originally Posted by whinnytoo
the finches are back, so spring MUST be around the corner, just wish I knew which corner!!!
Are you talking about the American Goldfinches? They winter down here in the Texas Hill Country in their drabby lime green feathers but are still a delight. One year back in the late 1980's we were having a long hard winter and the Goldfinches stayed longer, and were getting their beautiful bright yellow and black plummage before heading back to their nesting areas up north. We would stand at our dining room table and watch them at the feeder just outside the window and savor the fact that we actually got to see them in their beautiful spring attire! Now we have another one, the Lessar's Goldfinch that stays here and nests here that is very similar, has a solid black back but bright yellow underneath.
Also we have the Junco at our feeders as well but they prefer the platform and the ground. OH and I love love love the little Ruby-Crowned Kinglets!
But when these precious birds come back to you then it is just a matter of weeks and the hummingbirds are back. They usually are back here around the 3rd or 4th week in March, dependent upon the weather.