In the past, I would look for signs of spring from our swelling maple tree buds, the brightly colored purple crocuses in bloom in our front yard, or the beautiful white Snowdrops in the courtyard.
This year, I’ve noticed a different sign that spring is coming: the slowly changing yellow plumage on American Goldfinches.
I’ve had goldfinches at our feeders all winter, anywhere from two to four dozen daily.
And I’m used to their non-breeding plumage.
The American Goldfinch changes from brilliant bright yellow feathers with a black cap (their breeding plumage) to drab body colors in the fall and winter months.
This week I noticed a change in their feather colors!
The goldfinches at my feeders are showing a brighter yellow plumage under their chins and around their eyes.
Though we still have small piles of snow on the edges of lawns in our neighborhood, I know that spring is near in southeast Michigan!
