Gold Finches go to school

by Julie
(Springfield, MO)

At our preschool we've enjoyed feeding Goldfinches for several winters. Under one small tree we've created a mini bird oasis . Our children make pine cone feeders of peanut butter rolled in birdseed to hang in the tree. They've built a platform feeder that they keep filled with black oil sunflower seeds. Our parents donated a shepherd's hook that's been placed near the tree. On it we have a mesh bag that we keep filled with thistle seed. Each winter we have several pairs of goldfinches and house finches visit that feeder. We've fed mourning doves, cardinals, grackles, chickadees, juncos, robins, and a downy woodpecker besides the goldfinches and the house finches. It's been very exciting and offers many teaching moments.