A Gardeners Forum Forums General Discussion Landscape trials and triumphs Butterfly and Bird Gardens Goldfinches

I quit feeding thistle seed to our dozens of Goldfinches and went to black sunflower seeds. Now we have dozens more along with many other species. When you have this many birds on feeders the thistle seed is way too expensive. Is there any down side to this switch?

Oh gosh, a swarm of Goldfinches would be adorable, lol...

I have read that Goldfinches like both sunflower and thistle, I don't really see the harm of switching between the two, especially if you're attracting larger amounts. With some animals, generally tamed, you'd want to ween a new type of food in, but with wild animals they'll be less picky for a free meal, especially if it's something they like to eat. I think if you're attracting more it would be safe to say it's something that they'd prefer over the thistle seed.

Have you thought of planting thistles or milkweed to attract them?

Thistles and Milkweed are noxious weeds in Minnesota. I think there is some sort of punishment (though not the guillotine or rack) for spreading them an even not controlling them. Living on 17 acres, they (and others) are a pain to keep under control.

Ahh, yeah, with such a large area, and with them being considered invasive I see where you're coming from... Lol, so what, if they dropped the seeds and they sprouted up, are you going to get a state spanking?

Certain thistles are noxious weeds in NC too. Had never even thought about it. Glad it's not off with my head.

I can see I am going to have to pay better attention to the prices of my Thistle seeds vs. Black Sunflower seeds when I go Bird seed shopping next....