Attracting Goldfinches

[malagabob]

I feed the local birds. Get plenty of Blue Tits, Great Tits. One or two Blackbirds. The occasional Thrush. Even got a Pied Woodpecker coming on odd days. Never been able to attract Goldfinches. They are about. Have heard them twittering in the trees. Even followed an advice, hang a piece of yellow ribbon on the feeder. That was a waste of time. Any advice from bird lovers.

[roslyn251254]

haven't had any finches for a while ...but they do love sunflower hearts...

[AKMild]

I put nyger seeds out which have been successful in attracting goldfinches, but thinking about it, I haven't seen any this year.

[hellywelly4]

They love sunflower hearts. I used to get lots of them on my bird feeders. In a flat now, so can't do that any more.

[ferlew]

Definitely the nyger seed feeder, I get those, the green finches on mine.

[dannyk13]

Try adding some meal worms to your bird food.

[malagabob]

Have regularly put out Nyger seed, Along with the usual mixed, and meal worms that the Robins I attract I forgot to mention.

[Roobaba]

I sat in my car last summer watching a pair of goldfinches feeding on dandelions, they were intently flying on and off for at least quarter of an hour. Maybe allow/encourage dandelions to grow in your garden, assuming you are lucky enough to have one. I've seen them in the trees nearby, but they have never come on to our feeders, assume they are quite timid birds?

[rowanwitch]

What are you putting out, black nyger normally works and will also attract siskins if they are in your neighbourhood. They also prefer a feeder hung fairly close to a dense shrub they can use to hide from predators.

[gingejbee]

We don't see them around at this time of year, but they just love cornflowers that have gone to seed...they spend ages climbing from one to the next. Always in pairs.

[sddsddean]

Another vote for sunflower hearts. We used to have ordinary black sunflower seeds, with no success, but since we put out hearts our 'squadron' of goldfinches regularly numbers 25+.

[jakep]

I tried “my” goldfinches with Niger seed. They ignored them.
I put out two feeders full of sunflower hearts a day. They are empty the next morning. Mainly goldfinches and sparrows, blue and great tits. Also up to seven ring necked parakeets who just share nicely with the small birds.

[bluemoon1]

Thistles, they love them. Find a small spot you can leave wild and let thistles grow, it will be full of them. In a space of 12 square metres I've counted sixteen plus at one sitting.

[Chipchopper]

As well as the seeds mentioned, you could try growing plants that attract them too.
Teazel is very good, also verbina, globe thistle, coneflower and many more. PS and sunflowers of course.