Observations by wolfpix

A saw both a male and female lesser goldfinch (Carduelis psaltria) while on a birding walk with my Albany Adult School birding class (with Rusty Scalf and Bob Lewis, instructors).

Both were feeding on dried thistle seeds and were quite patient about being photographed.

My second viewing, a day later, of this most unassuming-looking predator. This is one of a group which are known popularly (in some parts of the world) as "butcher birds." That's because they are predators -- eating insects, small reptiles, and even other birds. Apparently that small hook on the bill can cause some damage.

When they have captured an insect or small lizard (and killed it), they often impale their prey on a thorn. In fact some observers have noticed that if there are no trees or bushes with thorns about -- you won't find shrikes, either.