Meet the Animals

Another new family for Springwatch. As you may have already seen we have a camera on a goldfinch nest, situated in a pine tree next to the carpark, here at Pensthorpe.

Missed something? Keep up to date with the goldfinch story here.

Species information

This colourful finch will certainly stand out in any crowd. The first things to notice are its black, white and red face and the bright yellow band on its black wings. Against dull wasteground, foraging flocks of goldfinches look quite spectacular.

The goldfinch can show great agility as it cling upside down to the heads of tall plants like thistle and teasel, both of which are important sources of food. It uses its delicate pointed beaks to pluck out the almost inaccessible seeds.

Its ringing and twittering song once made the goldfinch a popular cage bird.

How to help

Try leaving a rough area in your garden where thistles can grow. The RSPB can help with this.

The goldfinch is increasingly a visitor to garden bird tables and feeders. It particularly likes black nyjer and sunflower seeds. You can get advice on feeding garden birds from the RSPB, or there is baking for birds with Breathing Places.

Friday 12th June

Even with a very dirty nest these chicks are starting to show their colours, they will be off soon.

Wednesday 10th June

Is the goldfinch nest being neglected? As you can see it is covered in faecal sacs, despite this the chicks all look happy and healthy.