American Gold Finch
By ivyoon
@ivyoon (673)
United States
July 9, 2007 8:51pm CST
I captured a shot of an American Gold Finch with my digital camera a few days ago. I've only had the opportunity to see these beauties up close a few times in my life, and never had a camera. There were a few of them out there when I took this picture, but they scattered as I started getting closer. This one stayed behind, and even looked up at me when the camera went off! I couldn't have asked for a better shot!
Anyone else like finches? I've loved finches for a long time, and even had some that I purchased from a pet shop. They both died from a bad scare, unfortunately, and I was so heart-broken that I never replaced them.
I still have my blue parakeet and a gray cockatiel though!
1 person likes this
3 responses
@margieanneart (26423)
• United States
17 Jul 07
I love all animals, and birds are awesome. I have two cats, so I would never think of bringing a bird into my home. I also like to see them fly free, and not in a cage.
1 person likes this
@ivyoon (673)
• United States
22 Jul 07
I agree about the birds flying free. When we got ours they were born in cages so I didn't worry so much about that, but I never took them to get their wings clipped or clipped their wings myself. I let them out of their cages to fly in the house every now and then (but not after they've eaten, lol!)
I love birds, so when I decided to get some, I read about birds being born in captivity, and I figured it would be better for birds like that to find a loving home than to be stuck in a pet shop. I still don't really like keeping them in cages, but they always go back to them after a few minutes of being out, so I think having been born inside a cage makes them want to be in there.
Thanks for your post!
@craftcatcher (3699)
• United States
10 Jul 07
I love Gold Finches. I used to plant giant sunflowers right outside my kitchen window so I could watch them and listen to them. They are just beautiful. Congratulations at getting such a great shot. It's hard to catch them on camera, they're so fast.
1 person likes this
@ivyoon (673)
• United States
22 Jul 07
I didn't know finches were attracted to sunflowers! That's a great tip. I'll be sure to plant some sunflowers to see if I can attract some more Gold Finches. I really love the way they flit around. They are so fast; that's why I was so thrilled that I got such a great picture of one!
Thank you for your post and happy bird watching!
1 person likes this
@flowerchilde (12529)
• United States
22 Jul 07
I love birds! But have never had any as a pet.. except when I was real young and don't really remember it. I lost someone's bird once, when I was cleaning and opened a window and forgot their bird was flying loose in the house.. After I remembered, it was too late. When I went outside I could see the bird in the trees like the other couple of birds which were around.. It was kind of neat to see that green domestic bird free in the trees with others.. but unfortunately I guess he may not have been real good at outdoor survival.. I tried calling the bird, but he wasn't having any of that!
@ivyoon (673)
• United States
22 Jul 07
Thanks for your post. Sorry to hear that you lost someone's bird... they sure are fast and not easy to get back once they've gotten outside. I've heard of people getting their birds back, but it's rare. I hope he found some birdie friends who helped him survive in the wild.
Thanks again for commenting!
