Goldfinches Looking More Like Winter

It appears that our glorious Goldfinch summer is at its end. All during these hot Piedmont months we've enjoyed the brilliant yellows of the male Goldfinches (and for a full summer, unlike '08 and '09). But BirdCam exposed the sad reality that all good things come to an end. Apologies for a dark photograph, but it is enough to show that this male is displaying telltale signs of darker plumage. If the pattern holds I expect to see the birds in full winter display by the first of next month if not sooner. And then, well, the only really bright hues will belong to the Cardinal Corps. The dazzling display was enjoyed! And I'll look forward to next year for more.