A goldfinch finds a meal

A few days ago I captured this image of an American goldfinch picking a seed from a sunflower head. Nuthatches have a reputation for being acrobatic, a talent we sometimes don't attribute to other songbirds, but this goldfinch shows great agility as well. If you've ever wondered just how songbirds get the seeds out of a nodding sunflower head, now you know. I've watched a northern cardinal hover beneath a sunflower head, reach up and remove a seed. Chickadees can hang upside down on the flower head and peck out the seeds.

I find it interesting how closely matched the colors are between this goldfinch and the colors of the withering sunflower. Could it be that the olive coloration on the goldfinch helps to protect it from predation by hawks?

The male goldfinch will lose its bright yellow feathers during autumn. Next spring he will molt and once again become bright yellow.

I would like to thank The Southeast Missourian for carrying my feature Through the Woods, and I look forward to continuing into the new year.

I also wish to thank everyone who reads my little feature. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all.