American Goldfinch: Kennebunk, Maine, USA, April 2026 — It is easy to forget that our feeder birds actually have lives away from feeders, or that the majority of their species exist without our assistance. Our feeders are a convenience for the birds, not a necessity—though our habit of feeding can affect the population dynamics and movements of the species. I found a whole flock of American Goldfinches in the forest along the marsh path by the river, well away from human habitation. Wild Goldfinches! Of course, it is possible this flock visits feeders miles from where I saw them, or visits feeders some days or times of day when I am not watching them, so I cannot say for certain that this is a truly wild goldfinch, but I can speculate. Not that it matters. I think it is important that, from time to time, we see ourselves as part of the birds’ habitat, and not the birds as part of ours. The way I see it, it provides a needed perspective. I am willing to pay the birds to come visit me because I like birds. They are willing to come because they like the seed, suet, and mealworms I put out. I become part of the birds’ habitat in order to enjoy them. I am not sure they enjoy me in the same way, but that’s okay. I am willing to be the “bigger man” in this relationship since the birds cannot be expected to do that. I am not big enough to think that the bluebirds bring their chicks to show them off to me, or leave them on the deck for hours “in my care,” but it would do no harm if I did think that way. And it might even make me a bigger/better person. 🙂 Sony a6700. Sigma 16-300 Contemporary at about 800mm equivalent field of view crop. Program with bird and wildlife modifications. Processed in Photomator.