Hi Lee,

I'm studying goldfinches in Lorain County. They usually start first
nests at the beginning of July, and a handful continue to build
replacement nests (following nest failure) or even true second nests
well into August. In the past I've found a few new starts as late as
mid-September. This year is an odd one, however. Most of our birds
started nests in early to mid July, but abandoned them. Nest predation
also was very high in July. However, they seem to be doing very well
right now. My study site is now full of peeping fledglings, and I
continue to find new nests being built. I wonder if the cool summer
caused their nesting season to be even more protracted than normal.
Anyone else have ideas on this? They feed their nestlings composite
seeds, so I'd love to hear from folks who know plants whether this
summer's phenology is off-kilter.

Keith Tarvin
Oberlin

Lee Underschultz wrote:
> Lee Underschultz
> Firefly Hollow
> Little Hocking, OH
>
> As I was sitting here reading the Listserv Digest for today an American
> Goldfinch flew in and landed on a rope deck rail. It hopped over to a piece
> of yarn I draped over the rope and started plucking away. She gathered ahug
> beak full of yarn and then flew off. She just returned for more. Seems like
> strange behavior this late in the season and considering how cool the temps
> have been here lately.  Has anyone else seen this type of behavior this late
> in the summer?
>
> Lee
>
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