The Changing of the Colors

While the male cardinal wears his bright red color all year long, the male American Goldfinch changes color twice a year. The first two photos show the male goldfinch in his bright yellow plumage – which is the reason many folks, including my dad, call him a wild canary.
These first two photos were taken during the first week of July, which is prime nesting time of the American goldfinch. The last two photos were taken during the third week of October and show the male wearing his winter duller, tan plumage.
The American Goldfinch is a common resident in the Colvin Run Habitat. The parents bring the young to the thistle seed feeder soon after they start flying. So, during late July and August, there is always a considerable number feeding in the Habitat.