Participant Photo: American Goldfinch Gleaning seeds from wonter bee balm

The goldfinches at my home generally gobble up the sunflower seeds we feed them. However , we had only put out one upstairs feeder because we had a bear visit a month ago. So I was thrilled to see this goldfinch eating from a dried up bee balm seed head, which I had left uncut in the garden. It pays not to deadhead flowers that produce food for birds in the winter. O like to feed the birds, but I am even happier when I see they can forage for themselves, even if it was something I planted in my garden.