Hello Bob,
You are so very right about the infestations of yellow star thistle and its utilization by finches. Here in Walla Walla, Columbia and Franklin Counties during the winter months we often located flocks of 500+ Am. Goldfinches feeding in star thistle patches. The question is has this nasty plant had an affect in allowing the Lesser Goldfinch to expand its range? In the outlaying populations of Lesser Goldfinches we have come across the primary food plants seem to be wild sunflower, native & Canada Thistles and introduced teasel. We have yet to see these showy finches feeding on star thistle, but it is a great food source so why not.
Later Mike

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Mike & MerryLynn Denny
1354 S. E. Central Ave.
College Place, WA 99324
509.529.0080 (h)

IF YOU HAVEN'T BEEN BIRDING, YOU HAVEN'T LIVED!
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