Keeping Common Birds Common

In summer, goldenrod flowers support a large diversity of insect species. In fall, seed-eating birds including White-throated and other sparrows, American Goldfinches, Dark-eyed Juncos and others eat the seeds, while chickadees, migrating warblers, and kinglets probe the seed-heads for hidden insects and their larvae. In spring, Baltimore Orioles strip the silvery fibers from dead goldenrod stems to use as nest material.