August/September 2014

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American Goldfinch
Spinus tristis

This handsome little finch, the state bird of New Jersey, Iowa and Washington, is welcome and common at feeders where it takes primarily sunflower and nyjer seed. Spring males are brilliant yellow and shiny black with a bit of white. Females and all winter birds are more dull but identifiable by their conical bill; pointed, notched tail; wingbars; and lack of streaking.

Some fun facts include:

• Goldfinches are among the strictest vegetarians in the bird world, selecting an entirely vegetable diet and only accidentally swallowing an occasional insect.
• When Brown-headed Cowbirds lay eggs in an American Goldfinch nest, the cowbird egg may hatch but the nestling seldom survives longer than three days. The cowbird chick simply can’t survive on the all-seed diet that goldfinches feed their young.
• Goldfinches move south in winter following a pattern that seems to coincide with regions where the minimum January temperature is no colder than 0 degrees Fahrenheit on average.
• As of May 2007, the oldest know Goldfinch was 10 years, 5 months old.
• The nest is an open cup of rootlets and plant fibers lined with plant down, often woven so tightly that it can hold water!
• It takes the female about 6 days to build a nest. The eggs are pale bluish-white, sometimes with small faint brown spots around the large end.
• To encourage Goldfinches into your yard, plant native thistles as well as native milkweed. They are happy to feed on the ground or on almost any kind of bird feeder.
• To protect American Goldfinches from contagious diseases at feeders, keep the ground well-raked.

Children, Nature and You Resources to help you give the children you influence the awe and wonder that only the natural world can inspire

Freeport Park District Information on all the Freeport parks

Freeport Public Library More than books on a shelf...visit the Freeport Public Library

Freeport Outdoor Experience Events located in Freeport and Stephenson County

Getting Kids Involved (The Cornell Lab of Ornithology) Includes bird information, tips, and more for kids and families

Jane Addams Recreation Trail Ride or Hike the beautiful Jane Addams Trail

Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots A program of the Jane Goodall Institute offering a variety of programs and resources

NASA Climate Kids to tell the story of our changing planet through the eyes of NASA missions studying Earth and provides games, activities, and articles that make climate science accessible and engaging for children

National Audubon for Kids provides resources for classroom curriculum, DIY activities, and bird activities for children at home

National Wildlife Federation Many family-friendly articles; Ranger Rick family magazine

Resource Guide Supplement to Last Child in the Woods Designed for parents, teachers, and community leaders to help them encourage children’s enjoyment of the great outdoors.

Severson Dells Nature Center Located near Rockford, IL.

Sierra Club Outdoors The program's goal is to give every child in America an outdoor experience.

World Migratory Bird Day Learn about the importance of migratory birds and how to celebrate birds any day of the year!