Carduelis tristis

We had American Goldfinches in the back yard until the first week of May, 2010. We then went on a two-week vacation to the Galapagos, and when we got back, the American Goldfinches had left for the summer. When I was sitting outside today, I noticed our first returning visitor on the seed feeder, so this picture documents his arrival. They already have their winter plumage. Last winter they were very common, so I will be interested in seeing if they return this winter in similar numbers.