Another dry morning (I do so wish it would rain) was brightened by a pair of American goldfinches in the front meadow. I've seen a pair frequently in the last couple of weeks, the brilliant yellow of the male drawing my attention. I'm hopeful that they may be working on a nest nearby - they're one of the last species to breed in the summer, presumably depending on abundant seeds in fall to nourish their young.
We apparently had several fledglings a couple of years ago that practiced flying from the big oak towards the bird feeders near the porch.