Adirondack Redux: American Goldfinch (Carduelis tristis)

While waiting for my stepson to return ro camp with his troop at Camp Massawepie, I had the chance to observe a short, yet sweet, interaction between two birds. This aviary anecdote we saw was in part brought on upon by my own sloppy intercation with the subjects.

I had the digital camera out, trained on the trees, in an attempt to capture some images of the birds at the camp. Anne pointed out the little yellow lady pictured to the right, which we later determined (I think) was a female American Goldfinch (AG), or, Carduelis tristis. The female AG was flitting around frantically in the low hanging branches directly above us. When I went to move in closer, it darted up quickly and continuing chirping loudly.

It was then that we noticed a smaller, more grey-brown bird (pictured to the left)on the ground hopping around as if injured. The little bird was not injured, but trying to take flight. The AG dropped to the ground beside it and continued chirping in our general direction. It then became apparent that this original AG was, in fact, the smaller birds mother and was seeking to protect its young fledging as it is learning to fly!

Hopefully, we will soon see some similiar "teachable moments" taking place in our own back yard with the American Robin family!