Friday, August 11, 2017

Our Work Here is Done

Design - "Flag"
Chart - "Patriotic Times"
Designer - Homespun Elegance
Fabric - 32 count Dirty Belfast linen
Fibers - WDW& GAST - 2 strands over 2 threads
Started - 28 July 2017
Completed - 5 August 2017

I changed one of the colors from GAST "Harvest Basket"
to GAST "Oatmeal". This was a nice little project to work on while on airplanes or in the car on vacation.
 

I've had a hard time adjusting to our hot smoky weather.
This is what a recent sunrise looked like - the sky is orange from wildfire smoke.  Kind of apocalyptic looking. 

By early August the American Goldfinch chicks have fledged.

They are the last of my beggars...

...and they've got it down pat!

In the last two weeks the male Goldfinches have molted from their bright summer finery...

...to a much more muted look.

Males and females both have donned their fall / winter feathers.

Dull looking female...

Scruffy molting male.

A young bird with a male.

The birds are eating Tansy seeds to beat the band.

Here's what a gathering looks like now.

They've courted, built nests, raised their families.
Their spring / summer work here is done.

Interestingly the American Goldfinches I saw in Michigan were still wearing their bright summer feathers. 

8 comments:

LaNelle said...

Great photos Beth...hoping your forest fires subsidies quickly! Here in northern MN our Goldfinches are still in their full colors as well I've been enjoying a baby Pileated with parent of course just as large too fun! Blessings for a wonderful weekend..

Robin in Virginia said...

Love the flag finish, Beth! Your photos are super; even with the smokey sky, your sunrise is incredible. Enjoy your weekend!

Vickie said...

Yes, I watch my goldfinches in their finery every day at my window.

Angie said...

Beth - we can relate to your wildfires - Montana is getting it from inside the state and from Canada. Keep hoping it will rain and clear the skies!

Barb said...

What a cute little flag design. Better weather is forecast for this week-end even a bit of rain, over 50 days with no rain!!We could really use some.

Maggee said...

Cute little finish! I haven't seen a Goldfinch since last week, but it WAS the bright yellow coloring! You surely do have a bunch of them visiting... pretty great! Hugs!

Mary said...

The flag is a nice quick stitch. I hope you have cooler weather soon and the Michigan goldfinch sporting his bright colors make them easily recognizable...I would have a difficult time guessing what kind of bird the fledglings were.

Unknown said...

Such cute little guys. Our weather has turned. I actually had to wear a sweat shirt to the farmer's market this am. Thank goodness! I hope the same for you!!

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