I put some niger seed in a feeder and sure enough 3 Goldfinches came along to eat it....

[sandyRoe]

First time I've seen them in my garden. How did they know the seed was there?

[Chaffinch]

Amazing is'nt it, they certainly beat Sat-Nav!

[seadogg]

They never fail and watch out for other birds that go for them too. Have you noticed that the sparrows dont seem to like them- no taste at all lol

[wildwood]

If you plant some Cosmos flowers now you'll have heaps of goldies around when the seed starts to set. They must have a special chirp to lead others to food as we only see one or two occasionally, checking things out until the flowers have wilted, then there are dozens for weeks.

Thistles are also a favourite seed but er... yeah.

[pusskin]

I never bought Niger seed untill last weekend.
I havent got a container for the seed , so have spread some on the patio slabs out back.

What type of bird seeder have you got?

[pusskin]

the chaffinches love this seed

[Chaffinch]

Pusskin, you need a special Niger seed feeder, available form any country store or most DIY places, they have very small holes so that the seed does not fall out.

Wildwood, is it too late to plant cosmos seed now?

[sandyRoe]

It's just an ordinary one. There are 4 semi circular cups around the base. As the seed is eaten more flows in to replace it.

[pusskin]

thanks sandyroe + Chaffinch. will be out tomorrow to buy one. i cant wait .

Weve not had goldfinches, but chaffinched have been coming in and out all the week.
I will also buy some cosmos now its been mentioned --thanks

[Robinia]

Funny you say this Sandy because I've suddenly got goldfinches now (Derby) and I'd never had more than a very rare one passing through in all the years I've lived here. They were on the sunflower heart feeder, lovely birds. :o)
It's not too late to sow cosmos seeds chaffinch.