This just in: American Goldfinches have converged upon a suburban corner lot in Katy, Texas for their annual confinchion. Attendees agree that the new meeting place, a wood and cattle panel trellis built after Hurricane Ike destroyed the longtime confinchion center, is a definite upgrade from the old facilities. With more room to maneuver, sturdy wire upon which to perch while awaiting turns at the thistle socks, and adjacent bathing/sipping arrangements, it's not surprising that these colorful winter visitors give two wings up to the new construction.
There have been some complaints, however, by those who prefer sunflower chips to thistle seed, that confinchion hosts have been less than diligent in refilling the tube feeders. The picture below would seem to bear out that allegation. However, when questioned on the matter, the Head Gardener noted that she was having great difficulty keeping up with what she called the unusually heavy demands of the chip-loving confinchioneers and that restocking those feeders twice a day is not always feasible.
A small confinchent of birds is seen below, resting up from confinchion activities in the Vitex Lounge. Oaks and pine trees are conveniently located nearby for overnight accomodations.
Although there was widespread panic at the appearance in the vicinity of a member of the feline persuasion, and great sadness over the loss of one or more confinchiongoers to his felonious activities, birds are encouraged by the Head Gardener's efforts to deter such activity. They also commend the Head Gardener for her rescue of a finch who strayed from confinchion grounds and found himself in the unfamiliar environs of a back patio. Unable to fly through a door to get to the confinchion center, the stunned bird was given shelter until he recovered his wits and was able to return to the festivities.
As is customary, confinchion attendees have not indicated how long they will remain in the area. The Head Gardener will be restocking the sunflower chip supply later today and has vowed to be more diligent in refilling the feeders. In fact, that's where she's headed right now.
There have been some complaints, however, by those who prefer sunflower chips to thistle seed, that confinchion hosts have been less than diligent in refilling the tube feeders. The picture below would seem to bear out that allegation. However, when questioned on the matter, the Head Gardener noted that she was having great difficulty keeping up with what she called the unusually heavy demands of the chip-loving confinchioneers and that restocking those feeders twice a day is not always feasible.
A small confinchent of birds is seen below, resting up from confinchion activities in the Vitex Lounge. Oaks and pine trees are conveniently located nearby for overnight accomodations.
Although there was widespread panic at the appearance in the vicinity of a member of the feline persuasion, and great sadness over the loss of one or more confinchiongoers to his felonious activities, birds are encouraged by the Head Gardener's efforts to deter such activity. They also commend the Head Gardener for her rescue of a finch who strayed from confinchion grounds and found himself in the unfamiliar environs of a back patio. Unable to fly through a door to get to the confinchion center, the stunned bird was given shelter until he recovered his wits and was able to return to the festivities.As is customary, confinchion attendees have not indicated how long they will remain in the area. The Head Gardener will be restocking the sunflower chip supply later today and has vowed to be more diligent in refilling the feeders. In fact, that's where she's headed right now.
Comments
I'm going to have to refill my feeders... I've been remiss.
The thistle socks are available pre-filled at Lowe's (probably Home Depot, too). You can buy the empty socks at Wild Birds Unlimited. Those who sew could probably make the socks really easily. They're just a tube with a drawstring through the top.
Lowe's also carries thistle seed in 8 lb bags. Cindee is right, it's not inexpensive! I think the price went up by $5 from last year.
Jan, you need to join the ranks of garden bloggers so you can share your pictures with a wider audience. My fellow garden bloggers would be in awe! Y'all ... Jan and I met on AOL about 12 years ago and have been fast friends ever since. She's a great traveling companion and an incredible photographer. She does take nervewracking risks to get shots sometimes. I had to hold her ankles over a gorge in Vermont.
"confinchion" lol.