American Goldfinch
The American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis. a.k.a. Carduelis tristis) is the Washington State Bird. I have been trying to get a decent photo of one for almost 10 years. That makes this encounter yesterday in the Kukutali Preserve somewhat momentous for me. These are wary, fast moving little birds that will flee at the sight of a human. Up until now, I have only been able to observe them from afar or using the BirdCam. This bird allowed me to stand within about 10 feet/3 meters while he took a meal of Hawksbeard seeds. From these photos, notice how he never took his eye off of me. If I had made one wrong move, he would have been gone in an instant. This is a male, identified by his bright yellow breeding plumage and black cap. Females are a duller olive brown color and lack the black cap. In winter, both genders are olive brown. I usually see them in small groups or "charms," but this bird was feeding alone. The State o...