Goldfinches in the Garden
By Carolyn Oldham               

One of the loveliest winter birds you can attract is the American Goldfinch. Both male and female don a drab olive garb in winter to avoid detection by predators. But in the spring, the male is unmistakable in his brilliant yellow, black and white plumage. The more subdued female is beautiful as well in her yellow-green color with black and white wings and tail.

These small (5") active birds migrate to Texas around Thanksgiving from Oklahoma and farther North. They descend on feeders in large numbers to consume their favorite seed - thistle. Generally, they remain here in the Dallas area until about Mother's Day.

Attract them by offering fresh thistle (change every 3 weeks if it is not eaten quickly) in special finch feeders or socks hung apart from other feeders. They are somewhat shy, preferring to feed with their own kind. Hang the feeders out in the open and tie bright yellow ribbons on the feeder.
Welcome the Goldfinch in the cold winter months to your feeders; and in the spring, witness its spectacular color change right in your own backyard!

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Get those hammers, saws, wood, and paint brushes ready to create birdhouse masterpieces for our February 23-24th competition. Last year we had 70 entries that simply delighted and amazed our nursery visitors. Let's see what you come up with this year!

We will have three categories this year. For adults, we will have (1) Bird-specific (built for a specific type of bird), and (2) decorative/creative interpretations (not built to spec and/or habitable). The 3rd category is Student entries. Birdhouses will be judged using a point system in several different areas such as originality, design specifications, execution, and decoration - to name a few. Prizes will be awarded for First Place in each category. A "People's Choice" award will again be decided by the voting visitors. The birdhouse must have been homemade by the entrant. [Guidelines are on our website and in the store.] No purchased birdhouses are eligible.

Eligibility: Bird houses will not be accepted before Wednesday, February 20th or after 12 noon on February 22nd. All entries must be picked up by Tuesday, February 26th. (We cannot be responsible for them outside of these dates.)

Let the creative juices flow! If you aren't into "construction," put your talents to use and create a designer's decorative birdhouse that will make 'Martha' want to chirp. Whatever you decide, remember to come vote for your "People's Choice" favorite on February 23-24! Gift certificates will be awarded to the winners.

This is your opportunity to visit our tropical greenhouse and meet local garden clubs that meet here at North Haven Gardens and in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Learn about the clubs that can help you become more successful in your own garden. Consider attending a meeting and/or joining. Participate in club events and attend informative and useful lectures!