h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Our goldfinches were back today, after being away from the goldfinch feeder for about 6 weeks. They look a lot different from last time - they are nothing like as colourful. Their bright red faces have dulled to a sort of brown and I didn't see any of the bright yellow patches they used to have on their sides. I suppose that the colours were for attracting each other during the mating season, and now that it is late Summer/early Autumn, they don't need it any more.

It was still nice to see them.

I have goldfinches but don't get close enough to see their colouring, I recognise them from their distinctive cheepingand the way they fly.

That's interesting though, that they wear less colourful clothes when they're not bothered about attracting a mate

The goldfinches have a beautiful, musical cheeping.

and very distinctive. I hear them long before I see them

Our goldfinches never actually disappear, they just move across to the sunflower heart feeders instead.

And yes, they do look rather drab now

I've not seen mine for a couple of weeks now!

Neither have I