This American Goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) spotted at our bird feeder in Renton, WA, is molting--> his feathers changing from winter colors into his breeding colors.  Goldfinches like thistle seed and will come to a feeder than has thistle in it. They eat from very tiny slots. Most thistle feeders are squirrel proof because of the narrow slot. A metal tube placed around a bird feeder pole will also prevent squirrels from climbing up the post to get at a bird feeder. The male of the American Gold Finch has the black cap on the head, the female does not. Most finches have an undulating, bobbing flight pattern, up down up down.

Strange dirt effect

We encountered this strange bit of dirt on the way to the agate beds on Red Top Mountain. It looked strange and we suspected some sort of rodent activity. Later we spotted the ground squirrels and had our answer. The flowers are from onion bulbs--we suspect the squirrels were dining on them. The tunnels were in great abundance; the snow melt underway with some patches still evident. I guess if you hibernate you wake quite hungry.