We can always tell when Spring has “officially” arrived at our home. The Washington State bird calls out the arrival. The Willow Goldfinch or American Goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) is a bright yellow bird that was legislatively declared the winner of official state bird in 1951 after 30 years of debates.
Male Goldfinch
Female Goldfinch
The Goldfinch was selected over another spring bird the Western Tanager.
Male Western Tanager
As these birds arrive in our yard we know that the season has changed from winter’s last grasp to the warming arms of spring. The bright flecks of yellow in the yard is why we view it a “yellow spring.”
Male Goldfinch faces the setting sun
View from the Lookout 