Goldfinches are stunning birds, celebrated for their vibrant plumage and melodic calls, and summer is the ideal time to attract them to your garden. It is currently breeding season for many birds, meaning goldfinches will be occupied rearing their chicks and making frequent journeys from their nests in search of food.
Why Goldfinches Struggle in July
Adult goldfinches primarily feed on seeds, but at present they will be providing their fledglings with insects, as young birds require the additional protein to develop. However, the recent dry spell across the UK has caused more wildflowers to wither and insects to burrow deeper into the ground seeking moisture, leaving fewer food sources for goldfinches to forage.
Sunflowers: The Key to Attracting Goldfinches
For those wishing to support goldfinches, Lori Vanover from Birds & Blooms has revealed that they will remain close to any garden that has sunflowers. Lori said: "Sunflowers are one of the best plants for attracting goldfinches, because sunflower seeds are one of their favourite foods! Leaving spent flower heads in place is a wonderful thing to do for wildlife."
Sunflowers are so large that goldfinches can effortlessly cling to the blooms and extract the seeds with minimal effort. These seeds are also highly nutritious and rich in calories, providing goldfinches with the energy required to forage during warm weather. It ranks among the finest methods of offering goldfinches a natural food supply during late summer, when the heat makes it increasingly difficult for them to locate insects and other sustenance.
Other Plants Goldfinches Love
If you're not feeling inclined to mow your lawn at present, you'll have a perfectly good reason to let the grass grow, as goldfinches are drawn to dandelions and milkweeds. They tend not to feed on these plants directly; rather, they serve as prime nest-building material, meaning goldfinches are likely to construct a nest nearby if you leave a few weeds to flourish in your garden.
Goldfinches are also particularly keen on thistles, as they enjoy eating the seeds while also using this Scottish plant to build nests from late summer through to early autumn. If you're simply after an easy plant to cultivate, however, goldfinches are equally fond of feeding on the seeds of purple coneflowers, which should be readily available at any garden centre.
It is extremely common for goldfinches to visit gardens in July, so investing a little time in planting some flowers now will guarantee you'll be treated to the sight of these stunning birds on a daily basis.
