I often receive photos of birds from readers, but it’s not often that I get poems about our New England birds. Cyndy Martell from Peterborough, N.H., sent in this tribute to American goldfinches, which have been plentiful in her yard this winter.

Winter Goldfinches Galore

(A Phenomenon One Cannot Ignore)

By Cyndy Martell

So many  Goldfinches

Clutching the feeders 

Is frustrating at best

To accurately calculate.

So many Goldfinches

Bouncing on branches

Of bushy trampolines

Ever ready to evacuate.

So many Goldfinches

Take flight impulsively 

Crashing into windows

Sadly sealing their fate.

So many Goldfinches

Studied by Chickadees

Who sit and just wait

But are seldom irate.

So many Goldfinches

Not in summer gold

But in winter’s green

Singing in sweet debate.