New Jersey: The Garden State
New Jersey State Symbols Series #6
State Bird: American Goldfinch
Formerly known as the Eastern Goldfinch
Latin name: Carduelis tristis
Declared 1935
Your caching adventure begins with American Goldfinch-Female
cache (GC18H0H) where you will find the missing North coordinates.
The missing West coordinates are in the American Golfinch-Male
cache (GC18H1H). The order in which they are found is not
important. Each of the two Female and Male caches are hidden as
close as possible to one another and are located just a few feet
from the trail.
This cache is a quick drive from a nearby I-287 exit and the
parallel Route 202. The 276 acre park has a variety of trails for
your enjoyment. You can pick-up a trail map in the visitors center
adjacent to the parking lot at the driveways end. The center is
open Tues-Sat from 9-5, Sunday from 12-5 and closed on Mondays. The
trails here are well maintained and freshly marked. The sanctuary
is open to the public seven days a week from dawn until 5:00 p.m
for nature study, hiking, photography and caching. Please note that
pets and bikes are prohibited here.
You may want to include a hike to the adjacent National Park on the
New Jersey Brigade trail which is part of the Patriots Path trail
system.
Our State Bird
The Eastern Goldfinch is officially known now as the American
Goldfinch. It is the state bird of Iowa and Washington as well as
that of New Jersey. It commands and deserves attention because of
its striking lemon yellow color which is contrasted by pitch black
markings on its wings. These colorings are however, only the color
of the male in its breeding plumage. The female is dressed in drab
olive year round. In the breeding season she is even more drab as
her winter coat is in the process of moulting.
American Goldfinch Quick Facts
A familiar and abundant small colorful bird, the American
Goldfinch is frequently found in weedy fields and visiting feeders.
It shows a particular fondness for thistles, eating the seeds and
using the down to line its nest.
General Description
* Small bird
* Bill small, pointed, conical, and pink
* Body bright yellow to dull brown
* Wings dark with large white wingbars
* Tail short and notched
* Breeding male bright yellow with black cap and wings
* Size: 11-13 cm (4-5 in)
* Wingspan: 19-22 cm (7-9 in)
* Weight: 11-20 g (0.39-0.71 ounces)
Sex Differences
Summer male is bright yellow with a black cap whereas female is
drab olive. Sexes similar and drab in winter.
Sound
Song a long series of twittering and warbling notes. Common
contact call a "tsee-tsi-tsi-tsit," often given in flight. May be
described as "per-chic-o-ree" or "po-ta-to-chip."
Conservation Status
Abundant and widespread. Populations appear stable.
Other Names:
Chardonneret jaune (French)
Dominiquito viajero, Dominiquito triste (Spanish)
Interesting American Goldfinch Facts
* The American Goldfinch changes from winter plumage to breeding
plumage by a complete molt of its body feathers. It is the only
member of its family to have this second molt in the spring; all
the other species have just one molt each year in the fall.
* The American Goldfinch is one of the latest nesting birds. It
usually does not start until late June or early July, when most
other songbirds are finishing with breeding. The late timing may be
related to the availability of suitable nesting materials and seeds
for feeding young.
* The American Goldfinch is gregarious throughout the year. In
winter it is found almost exclusively in flocks. In the breeding
season it feeds in small groups. Whether it maintains breeding
territories is debatable.
* The American Goldfinch is mostly monogamous, but a number of
females switch mates after producing a first brood. The first male
takes care of the fledglings while the female goes off to start
another brood with a different male.
* This series is meant to engage adults and
kids in the sport of geocaching and to have fun together. The easy
puzzle challenges with hints are quick and fun! The hunt is
designed for kids to unknowingly gain New Jersey state knowledge in
interesting locations. The cache containers in this series are
large, camouflaged lock & locks and chock full of high quality
trade items. Please trade respectfully and hide well, as found.
Also note that many caches in this series will take you down gravel
or dirt roads. Enjoy our beautiful state! Thanks.
Fab first to find prize!
Congratulations Jan and the Man for the FTF!