Bird Calls Radio's Bird of the Day for Tuesday, Sept. 6

The Bird Calls Radio’s Bird of the Day for Tuesday, Sept. 6, is the American goldfinch. The goldfinch is a favorite of many birdwatchers in New England. Their vibrant colors brighten our summer days.

Male goldfinches feature the striking bright yellow plumage, while females sports a duller yellow, olive green plumage. Even the males, however, are dull in the winter as they lost their brilliant yellow plumage in the fall, only to regain it next spring.

Goldfinches are common winter feeder visitors, favoring the small Nyjer seed. They will, however, readily visit feeders filled with sunflower seeds. I often see goldfinches on my flowers in the fall as well. Once flowers such as coneflower and black-eyed susan go to seed, goldfinches land on the plant to eat the seeds.

Goldfinches, as well are bobolinks, can easily be mascots for the Pittsburgh Steelers with their black and gold colors. (That one’s for my brothers — all Steeler fans.)

Be sure to check out Bird Calls every Saturday from 3 to 4 p.m. on WSTC/WNLK AM1400/1350 (in S. CT and nearby NY) or www.wstcwnlk.com from anywhere in the world (where there’s Internet access, that is.) Thanks for checking in.