Late in the day, there was a break in the rain. The drumming of raindrops was quickly replaced by chirps, chitters, and birdsong. I looked up from my computer to see rays of light catching on a small spot of yellow — a lesser goldfinch. He sat stoically while his olive mate foraged for the best seeds on the far side of the feeder. Was he basking in the moment of warmth? guarding his bride? or simply pondering whatever birds ponder?

In any case, the momentary vision brought a delightful pause to the dreary day.

For a lovely blog about what lesser goldfinch aren’t so lesser check out this 2020 post from Nature in Novato