Where have my goldfinch gone?

[shivvy]

I was delighted when I attracted goldfinch to my garden after I put nyjer seed out for them.  I had 4 pairs for a while however they seem to have disappeared recently.  I still see the odd female but I haven't seen a male in ages.  Anyone got any ideas why this might be?

[LordyGeordie]

possibly cats.

we once had a pai of nesting goldfinches in our garden and came down one morning to find two little beaks two pairs of feet and two sets of wingtips all neatly laid out by the cat flap.

how very nice it was too.

[gen2]

It could be cats, but at this time of the year there is always a falling off in numbers of goldfinches visiting gardens.  It is because there is an abundace of wild seeds in the countryside and in addition, farm seed crops are ripening and being harvested, giving seed eaters an annual glut.  Once winter sets in, you'll probably see them back in your garden again.

[shivvy]

I have a very inefficient (ie lazy!!) dog so there are plenty of cats about.  However there have always been cats around so I suspect the gen2 theory to be most likely.  It makes perfect sense too. 

I'm just glad that they are still out there happily fending for themselves.  I will have their seed ready for them come the cold weather.

Thanks