This is bird note.

It's spring.

It's spring, and for many birds,

a time to look their best to attract a new mate.

This American goldfinch has recently molted.

Its old worn down feathers have fallen out and new ones have grown in. The male is now a vivid yellow with a striking black back and

wings.

When Goldpinches molt in the fall, they lose these brightly colored feathers.

That way, they may hang around all winter unnoticed.

Their winter camouflage helps them blend in with the drab background of the season.

In spring, they molt again, making a dramatic change into their stunning breeding plumage. And the goldfinch isn't the only bird to make this surprising transition.

The will... transition.

The Willow-Tarmigan, a bird of the northern latitudes, is rusty brown in summer,

blending in with the tundra where it nests.

In the fall

fall its plumage changes to winter white matching the landscape.

Some gulls like these laughing gulls and also the Bonaarts gull and dapper black or brown hoods for the breeding season.

Summer, fall, winter or spring. we're glad you listen to Bird Note.

I'm Mary McCann.