This Morning Outside

by Diane Porter

Nov. 24, 2014
Birdwatching Dot Com
Fairfield, Iowa

Of autumn's rich chrysanthemums, all that remains is a few flower heads dried and crisped. But there must be some nutritional value in the petals yet, because this American goldfinch was pecking away at mum salad this morning. Some of the evidence is still on his beak.

Goldfinches don't make their own gold. They spin it from their food. This fellow may be storing up the carotenoids he'll need to build next spring's glorious plumage.

© 2014 Diane Porter

—Diane Porter

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