Q: Should I put my nyjer feeder away for the winter?

 

A: No, at least I wouldn't. Winter is the season when I get the most goldfinch activity. I usually

American Goldfinches ©Steve Frye

have between 20 and 50 in my yard during the winter. Many people don't recognize goldfinches in their winter or basic plumage. They are much more muted than in their summer brights, but they are still an attractive olive gold with black and white wing bars. Perhaps the most attractive aspect to winter goldfinches is all their activity and gentle calls. Good company. Nyjer seed is attractive mostly to goldfinches and pine siskins, however, other species like chickadees, house finches, and even juncos will partake. If you have some nyjer seed from last year or beyond, it is probably stale, rancid, or just dried up at this point so consider getting fresh seed. We have nyjer in per pound, 3, 8, and 20 pound amounts. Many customers have been reporting pine siskins in their backyards. In fact, some have been reporting very large numbers. I have just had a few every day so far, but their numbers may increase as we get into the colder part of winter. So just to reiterate, I think you should keep your feeder out, fill it with fresh nyjer, and sit back to enjoy the show.