People come into the shop all the time and ask if all the Goldfinches and hummingbirds have migrated for the season.  The truth is that we do have resident populations of each.  Both birds are year-round Kitsap residents and will come to your feeders.

Anna's Hummingbird
While the Rufous migrates south, the Anna's stay behind and spend the winter with us here in Kitsap County.  I have been told that this wasn't always the case.  The theory I heard was that the increase in feeders and exotic plants in our landscaping have created an environment where migration was no longer a necessity for the Anna's.  So, please keep them in mind this year and continue to put out your feeders.

American Goldfinch
The Goldfinch is our Washington State Bird.  They are easy to spot in the Spring when the males take on their signature yellow plumage.  Their Winter plumage is much more drab and I think that is why many think they leave the area.  Their look is a lot different from their splashy Spring/Summer wardrobe.  You can continue to feed the Goldfinch throughout the year.  However, the talk in the shop is that they are less interested in Nyjer/Thistle at this time.  At our home we are using a mix that is somewhere around 60% fine sunflower chips and 40% Nyjer.

 

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