Since putting out the thistle seed feeder, a net tube that the birds land on to pull the little black seeds through the mesh, I have had a pretty little kind of finch showing up regularly. It is a black-backed form of the lesser goldfinch. It's a cheery little thing, and a delight to the eyes! Even in today's gusty winds and the onset of 'severe thunderstorm,' which was less severe here than the southern end of town, these little finches were busy until the actual rain started. I've heard that... Sign in to see full entry.