Goldfinches everywhere in the UK (1 Viewer)

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basebot

Member

• Jun 7, 2010

• #1

Is it just me, or have goldfinch numbers soared recently? I live and work in West London and wherever I look, I see the little fellas. I know they are pretty common, but I hear their distinctive tinkling song virtually every time I leave the office [Teddington] or house [Ealing]. I happened to pause during a car journey through Bedfordshire yesterday, and the first sound I heard as I stepped out into a country lane just off the A1 was not a wood pigeon, sparrow or robin as you might expect, but another goldfinch.

I'm not complaining, but has anyone else found this? Or is it perhaps because I have only recently identified their song and therefore notice them a lot more?

John

 

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sglynas

Well-known member

• Jun 7, 2010

• #2

I must agree that they seam to be everywhere.
I see them on guttering on terraced houses in the centre of Middlesbrough.

I also agree that they are a treat to see no matter how many times you see them.

Steve

 

carlj

Well-known member

• Jun 7, 2010

• #3

Maybe it's linked to feeding. Taken 6 months of inactivity, but we now have goldfinches in our yard. And of course, when people in shops buy seed, surely the picture of such a gorgeous little fella may lead to them buying nyger seeds, thus increasing both the foodbases and chances of sightings around people?

 

hollis_f

Well-known member

• Jun 7, 2010

• #4

I was reading in one of the birdings mags, recently, that it's thought the huge increase in nyger feeders is, in part, responsible for this upsurge.

 

C

Cheshire Birder

Well-known member

• Jun 7, 2010

• #5

basebot said:

Is it just me, or have goldfinch numbers soared recently? I live and work in West London and wherever I look, I see the little fellas. I know they are pretty common, but I hear their distinctive tinkling song virtually every time I leave the office [Teddington] or house [Ealing]. I happened to pause during a car journey through Bedfordshire yesterday, and the first sound I heard as I stepped out into a country lane just off the A1 was not a wood pigeon, sparrow or robin as you might expect, but another goldfinch.

I'm not complaining, but has anyone else found this? Or is it perhaps because I have only recently identified their song and therefore notice them a lot more?

John

Click to expand...

I've noticed a distinct increase in sightings this year. Not just their usual haunts either.

CB

 

JTweedie

Well-known member

• Jun 8, 2010

• #6

Same here as well, previously I would only see them locally on some farmland with thistles in their fields, but they're starting to appear regularly in the surrounding streets.

 

A

A CHAPLIN

Well-known member

• Jun 8, 2010

• #7

Can you send some this way please folks. I haven't seen any for months yet used to have quite a flock eating sunflower hearts, only one or two ate Nijer which I also have out.

 

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paul Robinson

Well-known member

• Jun 8, 2010

• #8

Seem to be a lot of them in Ireland too - much more than i've noticed in previous years.
Paul