Hi All
This winter we have been enjoying a sizeable flock of American
Goldfinch(AMGO). Then we noticed that they seem to be starting their
pre-alternate molt already. A quick check of some references confirmed that
such could be the case.
However, the text also suggests that we ought to be able to identify whether
these are first year birds or older adults. This would be interesting to be
able to do as we are probably at the northern edge of their winter range and
these might be first year birds that didn't migrant, or more northerly
breeders that decided they had gone far enough.
Can someone give me some advice about separating first year birds from older
birds on the wing, so to speak, not in the hand.
Thanks
Gail Spitler
Johnsons Landing, BC
spitler at wkpowerlink.com