Goldfinches

Carduelis carduelis

We have had a fine drizzle all day, but I caught this goldfinch couple inspecting the lawn outside my kitchen window. Apparently it wasn't good enough because they soon left.

Gold finches are the most colourful of the birds introduced from Britain. They also have the prettiest song, almost canary like. They often gather in flocks (called a charm) and their combined twittering is the most beautiful sound- softly metallic, yet somehow fluid. Here the male is standing behind his not quite so red female.

I hope they decide to stay in my garden.