March Means Molt Time

Well, wouldn't you know: I mention goldfinches vanishing, and they show up (although happily not all of them!), and I mention spring, and they show summer. Already our American Goldfinches are beginning their molt into brilliant summer hues. This bird is surely the alpha male. I usually see one male moving to bright yellow many days or even a few weeks ahead of the younger ones. In fact another photo shows that this guy is quite bright underneath, so he's made fine progress. Of course, nesting season is a long time away yet. But this is a welcome sign of what is to come.