Also known as the wild canary or American goldfinch, the Eastern goldfinch was named Iowa's official state bird in 1933. The males are bright yellow with black and white wings while the females are more of a gray and pale yellow.
The Eastern Goldfinch is also the official state bird of New Jersey also. It was adopted officially on June 27, 1935 by New Jersey legislature.
They are small and vibrant in color. They eat seeds from flowers like dandelions, ragweed, and sunflowers. Goldfinches are unique amongst other insect-eating birds in that they almost always select an entirely plant-based diet.
This species merely passes over the State of Louisiana in the beginning of January, and at that season is seen there for only a few days, alighting on the highest tops of trees near water-courses, in small groups of eight or ten, males and females together. They feed at that period on the opening buds of maples, and others that are equally tender and juicy. In the month of November they are again seen moving southwards, and for a few days only.
A few breed in Kentucky and the State of Ohio, but the Middle Districts are their principal places of resort during summer, although they extend their migrations to a high latitude. They arrive in the State of New York about the middle of April; and as they become very abundant in that State during the summer.
The flight of the American Goldfinch is exactly similar to that of the European bird of the same name, being performed in deep curved lines, alternately rising and falling, after each propelling motion of the wings. It scarcely ever describes one of these curves without uttering two or three notes whilst ascending, such as its European relative uses on similar occasions.In this manner, its flight is prolonged to considerable distances, and it frequently moves in a circling direction before alighting. Their migration is performed during the day. They seldom alight on the ground, unless toprocure water, in which they wash with great liveliness and pleasure, after which they pick up some particles of gravel or sand. So fond of each other’s company are they, that a party of them passing on the wing will alter its course at the calling of a single one perched on a tree. This call is uttered with much emphasis: the bird prolongs its usual note, without much alteration, and as the party approaches, erects its body, and moves it to the right and left, as if turning on a pivot, apparently pleased at shewing the beauty of its plumage and the elegance of its manners. No sooner has the flock, previously on wing, alighted, than the whole party plume themselves, and then perform a little sweet concert.
The only finch in its subfamily to undergo a complete molt, the American goldfinch displays sexual dichromatism: the male is a vibrant yellow in the summer and an olive color during the winter, while the female is a dull yellow-brown shade which brightens only slightly during the summer. The male displays brightly colored plumage during the breeding season to attract a mate.
If you want to read a lot more about this bird, go here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_goldfinch
Our Pull-Apart Cheese Bread is great for a movie night at home with some friends and family. That's 'cause this pull-apart bread is made with delicious and irresistible ingredients, like two kinds of melted cheese and yummy buttermilk biscuits. Just don't blame us if this recipe steals the show!
- 2 (16.3-ounce) packages refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
- 1 1/4 cups shredded Colby and Monterey Jack cheese blend
- 1 1/4 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 (4-ounce) can chopped green chilies, drained
- Preheat oven to 350º. Coat a 9- x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Separate biscuit dough into 16 biscuits. Cut each biscuit into 6 pieces and place in a large bowl. Add cheeses and chilies; toss until well mixed. Place in baking dish.
- Bake 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. Pull apart and serve.
1940 – Bill Medley, American singer and songwriter (The Righteous Brothers)
1941 – "Mama" Cass Elliot, American musician (d. 1974)
Wife Appreciation Day on the third Sunday in September provides an opportunity for spouses to show appreciation to their wives.
The relationship between two people takes balance. Every day, spouses do things for each other, sometimes without thinking. Other times, work and responsibilities get in the way. This observance offers a reminder to show a little appreciation to your wife.
This particular observance sets aside time for couples who have no children. Not every woman is a mother, either by chance or choice. Since so many holidays celebrate families with children, this day offers a day for those who remain childless.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Couples may choose to celebrate the day traditionally with a gift of flowers, perfume, jewelry or clothing. However, other options include a day at a spa, tickets to a show or dinner at a nice restaurant. A foot massage and cooking breakfast or dinner at home can also say, “Thank you for all the things you do every day. I appreciate them.”
NATIONAL WIFE APPRECIATION DAY HISTORY
While National Day Calendar research did not uncover the source of the day, we did identify the underlying meaning of Wife Appreciation Day. Even though it honored married women, the focus is on honoring those who didn’t have children. The day makes up for Mother’s Day when there are no children in the marriage.
