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Goldfinches feeding on lavender seeds
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Posted by melrt968 u.k. scotland (My Page) on Thu, Dec 22, 05 at 8:54
| We put out mixed seeds and peanuts for the birds. We get the usual mix of chaffinches greenfinches and titmice, Blue, Crested and Great. Recently I noticed a pair of Goldfinches feeding on some lavender plants and ignoring any of the food supplied. I understand that lavender seeds are toxic for humans but it seems that Goldfinches like them. I have not noticed any of the other birds feeding on the lavender seeds. |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Goldfinches feeding on lavender seeds
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- Posted by JonM70 Cambridge UK (My Page) on
Thu, Dec 22, 05 at 12:16
| I saw an RSPB leaflet (about non-native hedge plants) which specifically mentioned lavender seedheads as being particularly enjoyed by goldfinches. So you're not the first person to notice this! Plenty of lavender in my garden, but no goldfinches.... |
RE: Goldfinches feeding on lavender seeds
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| Try putting in some teasel stems with seedheads on - they're a sure-fire Goldfinch attractant. Once they've found them, they'll see the lavender below. Resin |
RE: Goldfinches feeding on lavender seeds
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| Hm, I've never heard of lavender being toxic! Especially with all those recipes for lavender jam, lavender wine, lavender sugar etc. Worrying that I'm about to collapse any minute now. ;) And yes, goldfinches seem to love the seeds (and the seedheads look lovely in the frost today, too!) |
RE: Goldfinches feeding on lavender seeds
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| I have not heard of Lavender, foliage, flowers etc. being toxic either. I understand that the oil extracted from certain lavender SEEDS contains camphor which may be harmful if ingested. |
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